Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Preventing and managing stress can help lower your risk of serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. You can prevent or lessen stress by:
- Planning ahead.
- Preparing for stressful events
- Noticing when you feel stressed
- Taking time to relax
- Getting active and eating healthy
- Talking to friends and family
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 back-up plan.
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.
4. Eat healthy.
Give your body plenty of energy by eating fruits, vegetables, and protein.
5. Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Dont 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.
6. Talk to friends and family.
Tell your friends and family if you are feeling stress. They may be able to help.
7. 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.
These conditions can be treated with talk therapy (called psychotherapy) or medicines. A mental health professional (like a psychologist or social worker) can help you deal with stress. Stress is a normal part of life, and lots of people need help to manage it better.
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