Understanding the 4 As of stress management
Avoid, Alter, Adapt & Accept! Yes, you can learn how to do!
Dodge needless stress
Know when to decline someone. Understand what your own output is and do not exceed its reach. Concerning both work and non-work life, pursuing more than is good for you can only lead to anxiety. Establish what needs to be ignored and what needs to be prioritized, without being led by pressure from others who think they know what’s good for you.
Stay away from people who are a negative influence. In cases where people have a record of inviting trouble and worry, be sure to remove yourself from their presence, even permanently if possible.
Command your surroundings. If following news broadcasts winds you up, find calmer viewing. If crowded places make you angry, choose a less busy option. If travel heightens your stress levels, consider time away somewhere more accessible.
Pursue only an achievable list of chores. Be kind with your schedule, including others’ demands of you and personal ambitions. If there is too much to handle, they will all blow up in your face in the end, so consider what is necessary and realistic, or what goals can be made long-term but less immediate.
Change your state of affairs
Think about ways you can express yourself more rather than holding everything inside. When a lot of nonsense is getting you down, be more forceful and relate your objections, which can be achieved without being rude. If you have an important date coming up, like an exam, and someone who should know better is hogging your time, be clear that you don’t have long for them. Without such clarity, bad feelings between you will only build up and be worse when they eventually show themselves.
Be open to alternative approaches. When you make requests of people to adapt, be open to doing so yourself. When two parties are willing to meet each other halfway, a spirit of cooperation will be achieved.
Set a sensible itinerary. All work and no play is hazardous. Look for a healthy work and social life, together with personal interests, relaxation and daily chores that are manageable.
Be versatile to others
Redefine challenges. Look for an optimistic approach toward problems that make you anxious. Instead of worrying about traffic congestion, see it as a chance to let the mind wander, enjoy some radio, or think through your problems.
Take an overview: Get to grips with your anxieties. Thinking about them will show you that most are only temporary. Being stressed over issues that will leave you in a few days or weeks is an unhealthy way of living. Stay focused on what is most important.
Consider your standards. Seeking perfection leads to stress and disappointment, so set yourself up for success by measuring your expectations. Don’t demand too much from others either, but appreciate their best efforts.
Be gracious. When all your problems are getting to you, take a step back and consider all you have achieved. There is bound to be more than you realize, together with talents and abilities you should be proud of. Such a sense of perspective leads to a more effective life strategy.
Understand that not everything can be fixed
Avoid stressing about factors beyond your control. A great deal of life cannot be manipulated by us, especially the actions and decision of others. Instead of tearing your head out about them, concentrate on matters that are within your control, such as your own behavior and actions.
Seek for the positive. When faced with adversity, consider the challenge as a chance for self-development. In cases where you could have done something better, assess your mistakes and make sure they are not made twice.
Be forgiving. Life is easier if we accept a certain amount of imperfections and disappointments. Holding on to anger and frustration gets us nowhere, so learn how to put problems behind you and remain positive.
Be open with your friends. Relating your problems can bring both comfort and understanding, regardless if doing so happens to answer whatever is causing you stress. If you have a friend that can be trusted there is no reason to be closed off to them, and neither is seeking professional help anything to be ashamed of.
