How To Manage Stress and Tension

Stress has always been a part of our lives. It is but a common experience for people to hear someone complain about how stressful his/her life had been in the workplace, at school, or even with his/her family. This condition happens everywhere regardless of race, nationality, status in life, or level of education achieved. Stress is just there clinging to us anywhere we go and we can't simply disregard this sad fact.

We must remember that in anything we do, there are just some unavoidable factors that cause pressure and anxiety to us.  Alternatively, there are those that we are not able to manage.  As a result, we must be sensible enough to differentiate these two in order for us not end up wasting our time, effort, money and abilities on matters that we are not able to alter. 

Listed below are some helpful advice on how to cope with tension and stress: 

1.  Identify what makes you anxious and uneasy.  Making a list of your stress problems or situations is helpful.  Find out what are the events that are giving you the most tension and stress.  Right away start dealing with the issues that you could change, such as waking up late for work in the morning or beating deadlines in the last minute.  Avoid the ones that you couldn’t control like getting stuck in a traffic jam or not getting into the elevator because there is no space left. 

2.  Calm down.  A five minute break will do you very good.  You could do things like going to the bathroom and washing your face, getting out and buying a candy bar, or inhaling fresh air.  You can also hear relaxing music, punch a pillow, or call someone.  Releasing your inner feelings to a good friend is a healthy option of relieving stress. 

3.  It will pass; it will be over before you even know it.  Frequently reminding yourself that the stressful event "will go away sooner or later" could make you learn the positive sides of things.  Simultaneously, stabilize your emotions and think of what is the best thing to do rather than carry your energy away from what needs to be done. 

4.  Know yourself.  Ask yourself: What triggers your anxiety?  If it is your stress at work (also known as occupational stress), then perhaps it's the right time for you to reconsider whether it would be best for you to get a less stressful job.  You can also make your current job more bearable by allowing yourself to get that much needed vacation or leave.  Never get tired of thinking what can’t be changed immediately, like a new memorandum assigning you to a new work schedule that you don't like.  In due time, things will get better as you keep adjusting to your work.   

Ultimately, you have two choices.  You can change the condition or you can accept it.  There is not any other way around it.