It is Stress Awareness Month: Are you in control of stress, or is stress controlling you?

#1: Avoid unnecessary stress.

Learn how to say “no”. Know your limits and stick to them.
Avoid hot-button topics – If you get upset over religion or politics, cross them off your conversation list.

#2: Alter the situation.

Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open, respectful way.
Be willing to compromise. When you ask someone to change their behaviour, be willing to do the same.

#3: Adapt to the stressor.

Reframe problems. Try to view stressful situations from a more positive perspective.
Focus on the positive. When stress is getting you down, take a moment to reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life.

#4: Accept the things you can’t change.

Don’t try to control the uncomfortable. Many things in life are beyond our control – particularly other people’s behaviour.
Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes.

#5: Make time for fun and relaxation.

You can reduce stress in your life by nurturing yourself.
Go for a walk, call a friend, sweat out tension with a good workout, write a journal, take a long bath etc.

#6: Adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body.
Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat.

~ Karen B.