So the stress of the holidays is over. We should be feeling ready to start a new year refreshed and ready to go, right? Well, maybe not all of us. For many, the post-holiday hangover leaves us exhausted and even more stressed out then when we began the holiday blitz! Now we have the rigors of regular life plus a stack of Christmas bills to pay, not to mention the ongoing job cuts and blips on the economy radar signaling rough seas ahead. With the new year on our heels, now is as good a time as ever to stop and reflect on the ways you can make tiny changes in your day-to-day routine to help alleviate the stressors in your life. Here is a list that you can use. Implement one new approach every week. Add and adjust as needed to help better cope and get through 2010 with a bit more ease.
1.) Develop a support system--find a trusted friend or relative with whom you can share your feelings. Talking it out can help alleviate some pressures and help you to not feel so alone in your frazzled state.
2.) Take care of yourself--balance your physical, emotional, social, spiritual, career and family needs. It is okay to say no to others and focus on what you need to find inner balance, be it 15 minutes to yourself a day meditating, 30 minutes of exercising or time doing a hobby. You come first!
3.) Take charge of your time--prioritize what needs to be done and do it. Tackle the difficult things first so they are not hanging over your head and causing more stress.
4.) Implement good habits--try waking up a little earlier to create a smoother start to your day. Use the time to read, write in a journal, exercise, meditate or otherwise relax before starting your day. Instead of rushing out the door, you can begin the day recharged.
5.) Develop exercise and healthy nutrition habits--exercise is a natural high, releasing "feel good" chemicals in your brain and leaving you with more energy and stamina when finished. Even if it starts as 15 minutes a day, try to squeeze in some time to get your blood pumping.
Overall, when life starts to stress you out, just remember stress is only a perceived inability to handle a situation. When you slow down, take a deep breath and evaluate what's going on with a clear and level head, you will be better prepared to handle what's ahead of you.
 | When the pressure's on, it's even more important that you put yourself first. Applying simple stress management techniques like controlled breathing, exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce your stress and the risks it poses to your physical and emotional well being. |
 | Feeling stressed? Meditate. Health professionals now strongly encourage stressed individuals to turn to meditation as a form of stress relief. |
 | Everyone experiences some level of |
You're sitting in heavy traffic, late for your daughter's soccer game and your two preschoolers are having a shouting match in the backseat. Your daughter is complaining, "Why are we always late?" Your heart rate is rising and your muscles are tense. |
Coping with stress requires a conscious effort each day. Take time out for yourself, even if only for 30 minutes, to focus reducing stress. |
