Principles of Stress Management

It seems like everywhere we turn now we hear about how bad stress can be for our lives and our health. Just because we understand how important stress management is in our lives, that doesn't really mean we understand how to make stress management a part of our lives. That is where the principles of stress management come into play. By understanding and implementing these four simple principles you will be able to reduce the stress in your life and therefore be able to have a more organized life all around.

• Try to prioritize. The very first principle in stress management is trying to prioritize the things in your life. Take time each day to think about what you need to accomplish and what should be done first. By taking the time early in the day to do this, you can get rid of the big items that will take up most of your time and plan the smaller items around them. By writing down this priority or "to-do" list, you will be able to better plan out your day, and see exactly how much time you have to do things. Do this not only for each day, but also each week, month, and year if at all possible.
• Take time for yourself. One of the major causes of stress in our lives is to not take enough time for ourselves. Everyone needs a little time to "recharge" their batteries and to clear their head. If you don't do this periodically, if only for five or ten minutes each day, you will find yourself emotionally and physically drained and unable to go on.
• Recognize when you need help. No matter how much we may not like to admit it, everyone needs help. What makes this so difficult is that we, as a society, have a hard time learning to recognize when we need help. If you find yourself becoming stressed, take a little time to take stock of the situation. Think about what led up to the situation that you are in, and remember that for the future. When you find yourself in those or similar situations where you may find yourself having difficulties, seek the help of another.
• Learn to let go. Perhaps the single most difficult principle of stress management to learn, is learning to let go. There are times when you simply need to take a break. Where it will do no good whatsoever to continue on with the stressful situation, so it is best to leave. Take a five or ten minute break to get your bearings. Afterwards, come back with a clear head. You will be amazed at how much difference this can make.