Stress Management Tips, Causes and Relief

Nutrition Site
Moss Greene
BellaOnline's Nutrition Editor

Stress Management Tips, Causes and Relief

Stressed out? If so, you're not alone. Stress is the most common cause
of illness and disease in our society, underlying anywhere from 75 to
90% of all doctors' visits.

But stress management involves making changes. Are you up for that?

Whether you change your lifestyle, habits, thoughts, feelings,
circumstances or reactions to circumstances, in order to reduce stress
you must make changes.

Stress Management Tips

Focus on making changes in the following areas:

Attitude: The same stressful circumstances affect people differently
because of attitude. A more positive attitude can greatly reduce the
amount of stress you feel.

Nutrition: A deficient diet weakens your immune system and brain
function, causing you to be more susceptible to disease, depression
and poor decisions.

Exercise: Lack of physical activity is stressful. Exercise produces
endorphins contributing to less depression and an overall feeling of
wellbeing.

Support: Most people need someone they can rely on during hard times.
An absence of support makes stressful situations much more difficult.

Relaxation: Interesting projects, hobbies or other means of fun, rest
and relaxation are good outlets for stress and can help in handling
stressful situations.

Your willingness to make the necessary above changes will determine
your success in reducing stress – no matter what the circumstances.

Causes of Stress

The main stress causes from outside circumstances are:
Death of spouse, child or other loved one

Health crisis – illness or injury

Divorce, marital problems or separation

Jail term or accusation of criminal activity

Money problems – lack or debt

Marriage or marital reconciliation

Fired from job or retirement

Victim of crime or self-abuse

Pregnancy and birth of new baby

Physical changes – puberty or menopause

Moving to new home or location

Hostile home or work environment

Increase in responsibility – independence or new job
However, poor diet, lack of exercise, and persistent negative thinking
are the most common ongoing daily causes of stress.

Stress Relief Tips

Here are actions you can take to gain more self-control over stress:
Be grateful for the good things in your life.

Refocus thinking to a more positive point of view.

Start a program of daily physical activity.

Take a break, slow down and have more fun.
Eliminate junk food and eat a healthier diet.

Reach out, get support and interact socially.

Use meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques.

Make time for personal interests and hobbies.

Get plenty of rest, relaxation and sleep.

Let it go. What difference will it make 10 years from now?
You can also set more reasonable goals, stop over-committing, give up
perfectionism and minimize or even eliminate many unnecessary sources
of stress.

Stress Management Bottom Line

If you follow these stress management tips and guidelines, stress can
become an insignificant part of your life. As the Serenity Prayer
recommends, change the things you can change, accept those you cannot
change and learn to tell the difference.