Do you know how to deal with stress?

Somebody once said,” Stress is what happens when your mind thinks one thing and your mouth thinks another”. It is so easy to get into stressful situations just by trying to please people and agreeing to do those things that we don't really want to do.

Too many of us spend our lives dealing with awkward situations and problems, both at home and at work. This leads to too much stress and can sometimes drive one literally over the edge. But before we deal with stress we have to realize that we need a certain amount of stress in our lives in order to function properly.

So the 'trick' is to find a balance between too much stress and too little. You have to realize that a certain amount of stress is good and that we use it to push ourselves and enhance our performance or productivity at exactly the right moment.

It is important to have the right frame of mind when dealing with stress and try and keep away from people who are 'over stressed' it can be infectious. When the world is going mad there are always those who keep their head. Mix with these people and find out how they are in control all the time.

Sometimes it is our own self-confidence, or lack of, that causes us anxiety and a good way to combat this is by practicing a few deep breathes. When first starting out on a sales career a good tip is just before you are due to meet a client, find a quiet corner and breathe in for a count of seven and then, slowly, breathe out for a count of eleven. Just doing this a few times will lower a racing heartbeat and put you in a more relaxed and confident state.

Another little trick you can use to lower your stress levels and be in control of your life is to control your thoughts. What does that mean? Well, most of us are stressed because we are thinking stressful thoughts all the time. So it's simple, change your thoughts and think something else. It really is that simple, it's not easy to do at first, but every time you think bad or stressful thoughts turn them around and think good positive thoughts. You will be amazed at how this simple technique can lower your anxiety levels and improve the quality of your life.

Hopefully, you found these tips for dealing with stress useful and don't forget if all else fails two or three weeks in the sunshine will work wonders.

Michael Roth, DC

Balancing Your Emotional Health

Stress Management and the Mind/Body Connection