Tips for Preventing and Managing Stress

We all have stress sometimes. For some people, it happens before having to speak in public. For other people, it might be before a first date. What causes stress for you may not be stressful for someone else. Sometimes stress is helpful it can encourage you to meet a deadline or get things done. But long-term stress can increase the risk of diseases like depression, heart disease and a variety of other problems.

Being prepared and in control of your situation will help you feel less stress. Follow these tips for preventing and managing stress.

1. Plan your time. Think ahead about how you are going to use your time. Write a to-do list and decide which tasks are the most important. Be realistic about how long each thing will take.
2. Prepare yourself. Prepare ahead of time for stressful events like a job interview or a hard conversation with a loved one. Picture the event in your mind. Stay positive. Imagine what the room will look like and what you will say. Have a backup plan..
3. Relax with deep breathing. Learn how easy it is to use deep breathing to relax.

4. Relax your muscles. Stress causes tension in your muscles. Try stretching or taking a hot shower to help you relax. You can do these stretches at your desk.

5. Get active. Physical activity can help prevent and manage stress. It can also help relax your muscles and improve your mood. Try a new activity like yoga or gardening. Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, like walking fast or biking. Be sure to exercise for at least 10 minutes at a time. Do strengthening activities (like sit-ups or lifting weights) at least 2 days a week.

6. Eat healthy. Give your body plenty of energy by eating fruits, vegetables, and protein.

7. Drink alcohol only in moderation. Do not rely on alcohol and drugs to manage your stress. If you choose to drink, drink only in moderation. This means no more than 1 drink a day for women or 2 drinks a day for men.

8. Talk to friends and family. Tell your friends and family if you are feeling stress. They may be able to help.

9. Get help if you need it. If your stress doesn't go away or keeps getting worse, you may need help. Over time, stress can lead to serious problems like depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety.

Author Resource: Looking for tips and resources on a totally healthy lifestyle? Visit Totally Healthy You for a complete lifestyle makeover. The author is a 20 healthcare veteran in the field of Cardiology and healthcare education.