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Deflate the Pressure
Deflate the Pressure
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Your bills are stacking up and the day care center just called to say that your toddler has a high fever. On the way to pick him up your engine over heats and you are stranded. Who isn't stressed? Who isn't juggling multiple tasks? More importantly, why is it so difficult to manage stress and lead a calmer lifestyle? Seventy-five percent of the general population experiences at least some type of highly stressful event every two weeks. Despite these statistics most pressures can be managed or reduced using stress management techniques. Psychologists recommend these speedy stress busters to help you avoid tension and burn out.
First, reframe negative situations or feelings. Reframing is a technique that helps you to change the way you look at things in order to feel better about them. Don't be upset that you missed your favorite television show; instead be grateful for the extra time spent with family.
Build a positive support network. There is an old saying that a problem shared is a problem halved. Venting with supportive friends and family helps you to think more clearly and have a fresh perspective.
Use humor to help you cope. Laughter is the best medicine and sometimes it helps to de-stress potentially charged situations. Research has even shown that humor reduces blood pressure and helps post surgery patients heal faster.
And lastly, exercise regularly. Nothing beats stress like physical activity, especially aerobic exercises like walking or biking. So get moving and watch your stresses diminish.
I am psychologist Dr. Richard Flanagan.