Stress Management Skills, Series #5

To read the beginning of this article please view previous series.

How to manage stress

Do not assume! Delegate tasks!

Very often our stress is related to the fact that we carry too many responsibilities. Often we believe that others expect from us to be perfect and to do everything. Ask yourself this question: Did anyone ask me to do so much or is it really me having all that expectations and assuming that if I did not fulfill them others would be disappointed in me? Most often we find that it is really we having all these unrealistic expectations of ourselves being a superman or a superwoman. Stop! Do not assume! Ask the question and make a list of your responsibilities and delegate some of them to others such as family members, employees, and coworkers.

Relaxation techniques

Learn how to relax. Relaxation techniques such as deep and slow breathing and progressive muscle relaxation trigger the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest” mood) and as such help shut off the sympathetic nervous system, also called the “arousal mood”. In other words, physiologically, you cannot be in stress and heightened arousal mood and be breathing slowly and deeply at the same time!

Try the relaxation techniques for 5-10 minutes, 2 or 3 times throughout the day if you are having difficulties keeping your calm going through your day. Or take 20-30 min at bedtime if you have difficulties shutting off your mind and falling asleep.

Live a balanced life

Balance is a key element in native culture. We are complex beings consisting of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components. Find your spirituality weather it is religion, or nature or just being alone by yourself; whatever that gives you the inner peace. If you don’t know it, then explore and find it for yourself.

Don’t complain about life and remember everything happens for a reason. Without black we would not appreciate the white, without pain we would not appreciate the happiness.

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