How to Deal With Stress Constructively

Stress can be positive or negative, depending on the effect it has on your life. Positive stress includes marriage, the birth of a child, purchasing a home or starting a new job. Financial issues, job loss or traumatic events can cause negative stress. Chronic stress is negative long-term stress. People experiencing this feel constant pressure day after day by perceived unpleasant circumstances. Stress has to be dealt with in healthy ways to minimize negative effects on long-term health.

Instructions

Steps to Deal With Stress

• 1

  Practice patience. When you feel yourself becoming impatient, practice deep breathing by taking slow, deep breaths while you count to 10.

• 2

  Relax your body. As you continue to practice deep breathing, consciously relax each muscle in your body from the top of your head down to your toes.

• 3

  Slow down. If you move and speak at a slower pace, you will appear calm to others. Acting patient can lead to feeling patient and less stressed.

• 4

  Manage your emotions. Choose how you will react in the situations you encounter. It can be helpful to have a script handy in your head when you first begin to make changes.

• 5

  Recognize what is causing you stress in your life. Change what you can and accept or let go of the negative emotions about the things you can't change.

• 6

  Attend a support group or find a group of friends that can help you. Church groups can also be beneficial and may help you find inner peace.

• 7

  Take care of yourself. Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily, get a proper night's sleep and eat a healthy diet. Enjoy hobbies and other leisure activities on a regular basis.