How to Cope With Stress

There is no reason to put off your mission to deploy your stress-reduction plan. Start right now.

Identify what makes you stressed.

Document your day.

This sounds easy enough, after all you may be claiming to know what stresses you. Really? Begin by making notes of your day, how you felt by the hour. Pencil in your moments on paper and finish with this last minute. Does the TV show you may be watching display a positive or negative picture? Watching mournful news clips or dramas with violence may influence your thoughts as you wrestle for sleep.

Even those matters that seem trivial can have an effect on your emotions.

Are you surrounded by negative people? What was the subject of your conversations?

Recognizing your stressful events in a journal will help with avoiding them in the future. Write about how you managed these episodes and how you will deal with them should they arise again. A plan of action works wonders in negating unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking, drinking alcohol and over eating.

Try to avoid those noted stress-makers. While some issues during your day must be addressed, gaining control might include walking away from conversations that lead to discomfort or argument. Talk later when you're settled or don't discuss sensitive subjects. Turn off the TV and read a more predictable book before retiring for the evening. Learning to recognize and avoid stressors will become habit when documented and practiced daily.

Change those elements that make you stressed. This might include leaving a "friendship" with a person who brings you down, or is constantly negative. If you've taken on too much, pare down and don't be afraid to assert yourself by saying "no" to tasks that overwhelm you. Taking charge will mean making positive changes.

Accept those things you cannot change. This may entail changing your views, your expectations on life. If you've a health problem, view it as a challenge to make you stronger. Accept a lower standard of living; constantly striving for unattainable goals will only leave you feeling defeated.
Decide how you will react and adapt. Write everything down.

The most important mechanism for change is being honest with yourself as you write in your journal. Were you irrational? How can you lead a healthier lifestyle? What habits can you change. What habits can you take on to help you cope?

If things seem too overwhelming, consider talking to someone you trust or seek a professional. There is no need to "go it alone" if your life seems so chaotic you're distressed beyond your realm of self help. Don't be embarrassed; getting help means taking charge with assistance. Nothing else.