1. Emotional Intelligence, how we relate to ourselves, others and our environment. Self awareness is the key to everything, can you answer the question “What am I feeling and why?” Can you manage your emotions, and make allowances for the other person also. Can you empathise with others? Empathy is the key to relationships.
2. Time management. Keep an eye on time during the day, so that everything is not last minute. Track your ‘To do’ list and keep on top of things. If you have tasks that need to be done, write them down and review the list daily and refresh
3. Write things down! You may have a great memory, but if you keep everything in your head it will become so full and busy that you will have a constant buzz going on, which will only add to your stress. When something has been committed to paper (in a notebook you keep with you), it gives your conscious mind permission to let it go. Review this list daily, and make a new list daily if necessary........whatever suits your work load.
4. Friends and Family. We all need people and support and nurturing. People who have loving supportive networks are happier and more secure in themselves.
5. Ask for Help. We don’t have to do everything on our own, yet we see asking for help as a sign of weakness..........it can be a great sign of strength, it shows you know your abilities and have the courage to ask for help. It will also give others the courage to ask you for help when needed. Win – win situation.
6. Do something for yourself. Looking after yourself first is not being selfish, if you are not functioning effectively then you are no good to others. Look after your own needs and that includes doing something you love to do on a regular basis, e.g. art classes, music, cinema, sports.
7. Boundaries. Separate home from work; Learn how to say ‘NO’; My time, Our time, Work time, Fun time, Down time, Party time, etc.
8. Diet & Exercise
· Cut down on stimulants – coffee, coke, alcohol etc
· Eat regularly and eat healthy food
· Take regular exercise, this will improve well-being and increase energy
· Get plenty of sleep
· Drink water
9. Smile. It is proven that people who are happy and optimistic are more successful in life
10. Do something different. We can so easily get caught up in routine, every once in a while do something different, even out of character......you will be surprised how good you might feel!
11. Other ways to deal with stress.
Japa meditation: Think of a word which will work for you and repeat it over for one minute thinking only of the word. You can do this anywhere. Examples; Calm, relax, peace, it’s ok, confidence etc. This helps our brain relax which helps relax our body.
Breathing; When stressed we breathe in our upper chests, and so many people do not use the full capacity of their lungs. Sit comfortably in a chair (or even when the car is parked), place hands lightly over stomach, and breathe in through your nose slowly. If you are breathing properly, the air will go right down to the bottom of your lungs and will push your stomach out which you will feel in your hands. Breathe out through your nose also. Breathe in for count of eight, hold slightly and breathe out count of eight, hold slightly and repeat.
Visualisation: Close your eyes and remember a place/time you felt happy, relaxed and powerful. Really concentrate on the scene and feelings, and remember when things get stressful you can go back to this place at any time.
Silence: All too often nowadays we are surrounded by noise, noise and more noise. This can become an onslaught to the senses and at some stage we need silence to let our brain relax. It can either be retreating to a place of silence, or having the ability to meditate and completely block out surrounding noises.
"I’ll think about that later": Our heads become so full of things, and when we are trying to relax and rest, thoughts and things we want to remember keep popping up. The more we resist these thoughts the more they persist as we forcefully try not to think about them. Next time this happens just say to yourself “I’ll think about that later” as it gives your mind the permission to let it go for now.
Permission to yourself: Give yourself the permission to take a step back. Give yourself the permission to relax. Give yourself the permission to sit down and read a book. Give yourself the permission to have some time for yourself each day to let go.
Just Stop: Who is pushing you so hard and holding a whip over your back? My guess is you. Just stop whipping yourself, look after yourself the way you look after your family and friends, and you will get as much done and feel better for it. Just stop the musts, shoulds and all that pressure talk and choose to want to do things instead.
