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Useful Tips to help you manage stress
As we have seen in the previous page, men and women have their own ways of dealing with stress.
Because of this uniqueness, it makes sense to me to provide you with individualized tips. Before we begin, let me clarify one point. Do not think that, if you're a female, you must consider only the tips specifically addressed to women. The same goes for the male readers; adopting a woman's tips won't lessen your masculinity one tiny bit! To both genders I say: feel free to borrow from each other and see what works best for you.
What follows now are a few techniques that apply to males and females. Tip #1: Realize and make peace with the fact that some things can neither be controlled nor changed. So stop banging your head trying to affect change. Give your attention and time to what you can control. Tip #2: Do not underestimate the power of a pet. A pet loves you unconditionally. A pet does not judge you. To a pet, you are the sun, the moon, and the stars. Spend time with your pet. Your stress levels and blood pressure will decrease significantly. Take your dog for a walk, tell him/her your problems - you won't get laughed at, I promise! Tip #3: Unwind by listening to the type of music that you truly enjoy.
Now let's look at tips specially suited for women. Tip #1 This may be the most difficult tip to put into practice. It's the one where you must learn to say "No'. If the stressors on your plate are so many that they start overflowing, and you're asked to give even more of yourself, simply say "No", and do not apologize for it. When you apologize, you are in fact admitting that your "No" is somehow wrong and should not be taken seriously. Also, do not offer an explanation for your refusal. Let's suppose someone asks you to stop to the dry cleaners' on your way back from the post office. Just say, "I'm afraid I already have way too much to do. I know I couldn't possibly squeeze in another stop". And say it with no hesitation in your tone. then move on, don't get caught in a debate over the silly errand. Tip #2: This is another difficult tip for many women. It's the one where you must learn to say "Yes" to yourself. Soak up in a luxurious hot bath. Carve yourself a special private corner in your home where you can retreat. Shut the door, get comfortable with a book or with yourself. Listen to soothing music, light some candles, perhaps. Be good to yourself, and do not let ANYONE make you feel guilty about it! Tip #3: If talking about what stresses you makes you feel better, let it all out! Talk your problem(s) over with a good friend (not the gossipy kind that you simply cannot trust to keep her mouth shut).
She may have a different perspective/interpretation of the problem which never occurred to you.
Now, for the males. Ready? Tip #1: Go to the gym and engage in at least a good solid hour of physical activity. Many men react to stressors with anger. The vigorous physical activity will definately help. Tip #2: If you don't like the idea of going to the gym (and possibly get even more irritated by having to wait on someone who seems intent on hogging your favourite training machine!), go for a jog. Which brings me to... Tip #3: Spend some time with yourself. That's right. Go fishing, go hiking. Retire to a quiet corner with a good book. Nothing sad, boring or too "intellectual". Tip #4: Call up a few friends and plan something together. An evening of bowling perhaps? What about a hockey game?
Now, don't just read this page and then tell youself "Yeah, it sounds good, but...." Haven't you used that "BUT" a little too much already? I will use it just once now: No-one is stopping you now but yourself.
Thank you for reading. I sincerely hope you will give the above tips a really good effort.
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