Do you feel cranky? Constantly annoyed? Do you come down with colds all the time? Often have headaches? These can all be signs that stress has taken over your life and your health. Stress is a part of life, but we have to daily take our life back from stress.

In his book Stress Management , Gerard Hargreaves writes that you need to identify your biggest stressors at work, in your home life and your self. Decide which you have control over and which you can’t control. Now figure out coping strategies. Some of his suggestions are:

¨� � � � � � Reorganizing your life- Clean your desk, create an evening routine to get ready the night before

¨� � � � � � Avoiding the things that are stressing you

¨� � � � � � Adding resources – equipment, materials, people

¨� � � � � � Learn time management – plan each day

¨� � � � � � Be more assertive – be respectful, but express your views & needs and learn to say no

¨� � � � � � Communicate with people – listen, make eye contact, be clear

¨� � � � � � Create a positive mind-set – positive self-talk, watch for negative thoughts

¨� � � � � � Get rid of unrealistic beliefs about life and your stressors – check your expectations

¨� � � � � � Avoid “musts” and “shoulds” in your thinking and speech

¨� � � � � � Eat a healthy diet – eat from all food groups, eat slowly, eat regularly, choose fresh foods

¨� � � � � � Exercise regularly

¨� � � � � � Enjoy hobbies or interests, have fun

¨� � � � � � Practice relaxation – walking, massage, deep breathing, breaks, yoga

¨� � � � � � Get enough sleep – have a relaxing bedtime routine, go to bed at the same time every night

Take Action:

List your top three stressors

How much control do you have over each of them?

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Create an action plan for each stressor. How can you make it easier on yourself? How can you cope better? What different attitudes can you take? What do you need to learn? Who do you need to talk with? Would a different place or positioning help? Can you change your schedule around?

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