Techniques ease away stress from daily life

We all have stress in our lives — it's part of the human condition. So why do some people walk around apparently stress-free, while others struggle just to get through their day?

Stress is a common factor among us, but the way we deal with it is not. The effect of stress on our minds and bodies is directly related to our perception of it. If we are the type to make mountains out of molehills, then our stress level becomes greater than people who — even when faced with Mount Everest — merely shrug and get out their climbing gear.

Stress can have a serious impact on our mental and physical health. Though we all experience stress in different ways, I'm sure you're familiar with some of the signs; muscle tension, headache, fatigue, inability to concentrate, irritability, upset stomach, neck and back pain, rapid heartbeat. Most of these are temporary but, if ignored, they can lead to more serious physical problems.

So, can we learn to manage our stress more effectively and minimize its side-effects? There are lots of ways to equip ourselves to deal with this unseen, but dangerous foe. Since we're all different, we have to develop our own specific coping strategies. What works for you may not work for your neighbor or even your spouse. The key is not to try to totally eliminate the stressing factors in our lives, but to decrease our negative reactions to them.

Managing time is something most of us could stand to improve on. We all know that we shouldn't procrastinate or over-commit ourselves, but we do it anyway. Find strategies that work for you to maximize the quality of your time. This could be keeping an on-going task list, shutting your office door to block distractions, or setting specific deadlines to avoid procrastination. Anything that helps you get your work done and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Reward yourself with something that you enjoy. Some people love a nice, hot bath at the end of the day, while others prefer a nice jog through a quiet part of town or a steaming cup of coffee in the break room. Spending time with family and friends can also help relieve the pent-up stresses of the day. Sometimes the things we've been so upset about seem small in the presence of those who really matter to us.

Expressing our feelings is a healthy way to react to stress. Letting things build up inside is what turns those molehills into something that seems overwhelming. Talking about the situation with someone you trust will help you to view it from a different perspective. Perhaps that different perspective is all that's needed to solve the problem. Writing things out can help as well. You don't need to be a Shakespeare or Bronte, just expressing yourself through the act of writing can help to clarify and minimize stressors.

Hobbies or activities we enjoy can really help us unwind at the end of a long day. Getting lost in the latest novel might help you get your mind off your problems. Knitting and other needlecrafts are more popular than ever right now. It seems tying knots in yarn helps ease those in our shoulders. The solitude of fishing or hunting might be right for some, while the camaraderie of sports helps others forget their troubles.

Exercise is the most effective way to dealt with stress and physical tension. Regular physical activity is the most effective of all stress management techniques. It strengthens your body and makes you less susceptible to the physical effects of stress as well as giving you time to reflect while doing something that is positive for yourself. Walking your dog down a street dusted with snow or pounding out the miles on a treadmill — find what's right for you and make sure you take the time to do it on a regular basis.

Sometimes life hits us with things that are just plain stressful. Getting help before your stress turns into a serious physical problem is a wise move. If the stress in your life has gotten beyond your grasp and is affecting your health or daily life, it may be time to talk to your physician about it. Insomnia, migraine headaches, or any serious tension-related pain or ailment should not be ignored. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it should never be the biggest part.