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The long term effects of stress are well documented, which is why it is such an important area. A little stress is actually good, as it could serve to help you function at your best. However, too much stress can take a physical, as well as mental, toll to your body. Stress should be managed in order for depression or anxiety to be prevented.

You may need to see a counsellor if you think you are suffering from stress, but there are a few preventative things you can do for yourself:

Write it out, schedule it out. Overwhelm is a result of having too much in your head to deal with so write it down, get it out of your head and down on paper. You will find a things-to-do-list much easier to manage than having errands all crumpled up in your head. Writing down the tasks, and putting a specific schedule and time to do them, helps anyone manage activities one chunk at a time. Crossing out an activity that has already been accomplished is very rewarding and could actually help you feel more relaxed when doing the other tasks at hand.

One at a time works. Focus and put all your attention specifically on one task at one time. It does not help to feel panicky about the other undone or to-do tasks. Thinking about them only adds unnecessary stress and could even hamper in doing the task you are attempting to accomplish at present. Just focus in on your one task, whether that task is spending time with the kids, or writing the next chapter of your book. Block time in your schedule for your most important tasks to ensure you experience balance.

Relax and take it slow. At least, try not to expend too much energy on activities that are currently not priorities. This is in order for your energy to be not easily expended on the tasks that are not that important, at least for now. Also spend time relaxing in between your work, just 2 minutes with your eyes closed standing out in the fresh air is enough to bring back mental alertness and to help you feel calmer. I recommend 10 minutes away from your desk every few hours. Taking this time for yourself will mean that you come back stronger and more focused. The longer you spend working without a break the more your effectiveness diminishes.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. You really don’t have to do everything all at once and you definitely don’t have to do everything on your own. Get into the habit of asking for help, or paying for help. When there is a feeling of being overwhelmed that is cropping up, hire someone to mow the lawn or get a sitter for your children. The feeling of being pressed to finish something on time will somehow be eliminated if tasks are delegated. It takes a load off unnecessary worry and anxiety. Moreover, it is easier checking up on how things are, than worrying yourself sick doing everything on your own, all at once. Remember that delegating does not mean leaving someone to get on with it and forgetting about it, because if that person makes an error you end up feeling even more stressful. Make sure you check up on progress and let them know that they should ask you if they are unsure about anything.

Give yourself a reward. You deserve it. Acknowledging your accomplishments, no matter how big or small, is an effort that is necessary before getting on to the next tasks and activities. It reduces stress and could even make you happier in doing the next task. Also, it is really easy to spend your time in the future, thinking about how wonderful life will be when you finally complete your task or goal. However, usually when we get there, there are no celebrations because we are on to the next “thing to do.” By giving yourself a reward (something that doesn’t cost anything is the best reward!) you acknowledge where you are at, that you have completed another step. And when you get to your final destination success tastes sweet!

Give yourself a break. You need it to be more productive. A ten to fifteen minute break during your work is necessary. Go visit a café nearby, take a quick brisk walk, or do anything to put your mind off work, at least for a while. This is necessary to refresh and recharge. Believe it or not, you can also stay in your work and sit with your eyes closed as you visualize a peaceful landscape or a relaxing scene. This frees the stress from your muscles and your mind.

Try to take a full hour away from your desk – many people find this difficult to do but it is really essential if you want to avoid stress. Invite a work colleague to go with you or spend the time in quiet contemplation. If you need to, set outlook to signal when you need to take an hour, or set your cell phone alarm to go off, then no matter what you are doing stop, get up, and walk away. I promise you that you will return with more energy and creativity than you left with!

Most of all, have realistic expectations of yourself and others. No one is superman. You cannot get three days work done in one day. Don’t wait till the last minute and put so much stress on yourself with huge amounts of work.

I hope you enjoyed reading these steps and that you will choose to take one and use today, taking action is the prime step towards stress avoidance, or if you are already feeling the effects of stress. It is always better to learn how to relax and avoid stress than it is to have to learn how to deal with overcoming it. Doing so makes you healthier, happier, and a lot more productive.

Appreciation – The Key to Contentment

We can achieve a better life, when we are no longer trying to achieve a better life. It means that we are content, as we should be, with ourselves and what we have. To be anxious for more or to envy someone else’s life or possessions is self-defeating. We are then in a constant state of frustration, always hoping and waiting for more happiness.

Think of what you have rather than of what you lack. Of the things you have, select the best and then reflect how eagerly you would have sought them if you did not have them.” – Marcus Aurelius (121-180)

There is, here and now, much to appreciate. There is life itself with friends, family, and everything that is naturally before us. We just have to look around and take it in. Perhaps it is time to make a list of all the good things we have to grateful for.

Are there people in your life that you would miss dearly if they were not here? When you go for a walk don’t you see, hear, and smell, many things to appreciate and feel nice about? Like the flowers, trees, birds, and the clouds in the sky. A caterpillar crossing the sidewalk or your neighbor waving. A cute pup or child enthusiastically enjoying that moment in life.

“Whether in favor or in humiliation, be not dismayed. Let your eyes leisurely look at the flowers blooming and falling in your courtyard. Whether you leave or retain your position, take no care. Let your mind wander with the clouds folding and unfolding beyond the horizon.” – Hung Tzu-ch’eng (1593-1665)

There is no harm in striving for more, but you will generally find that when you are happy and at peace with yourself and others, and enjoying life in the present moment, you will be in a better place to attact to yourself everything that you desire.

Using The Right Self Improvement Techniques

Take the time to become familiar with the different “self help”, “self improvement”, “personal growth” and “personal development” techniques that are available. Using the right techniques can make the difference between “breaking through” and not, and manifesting the life you really want. Consider many sources, with a wide enough choice to find what’s right for you. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy with the right techniques.

Discover your life purpose. Why are you here on this earth? Is there a specific purpose for you in this life? What about all the other people? Do you think life events are due to accident and chance?
Find out who you really are and what you really want. Are you actually leading the life that is the true you? Or are your circumstances living unconsciously through you?
Eliminate or manage your fears! If you could stand back and view yourself on the “stage of your life” could you see where your fears come from and act in a different manner?
Manage unseen forces in your relationships. Many people repeat the same issues in a series of relationships. Has this happened to you? Use the right technique to learn what is really going and get past it.
Understand and cope with confusing and changing times. Have certain puzzling events unfolded in your life? Would you like to know if there is a reason for their appearance?
Learn to make decisions and not worry about mistakes. Enhance your instincts and intuition so you can better rely on your (developed) judgement.
Develop confidence in yourself, based on better knowing who you truly are.
Design your own roadmap to success! Base your plans on a “higher” level of knowledge.
Release limiting beliefs and emotions known as “blocks”. Learn how to repair negative experiences and emotions that are holding you back.
Learn why you may be repeatedly attracting negative events, people, and circumstances.
Learn why most people are “programmed” for unhappiness and what to do about it.
Learn what keeps us stuck in the same “life patterns” when we think we’re changing!

If you desire to experience any of these benefits in your life, find the personal development and self help tools and techniques that will help you to do so!

Inspirit Personal Growth

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Steps To Avoid Stress at Work

Appreciation – The Key to Contentment

Using The Right Self Improvement Techniques

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