Stress Management

STRESS MANAGEMENTUnhealthy ways of coping with stress

smoking Drinking alcohol Over eating or under eating Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities

Using pills or drugs to relax Sleeping too much Procrastinating Taking out your stress on others (lashing out, angry outbursts, physical violence)

Dealing with Stressful Situations: The Four A’s

1. Avoid unnecessary stress

• Learn how to say “no” unnecessary activities. 
• Avoid people who stress you out. 
• Avoid hot-button topics/conversations. 
• Pare down your to-do list of tasks to accomplish

2. Alter the situation

• Express your feelings instead of bottling them up.
• Remain the same.
• Be flexible in your life.
• Be more assertive in your own life Manage your time better.

3.  Adapt to the stressor

• Re-frame problems.        
• Adjust your standards.
• Focus on the positive things. 

4. Accept the things you can’t change

• Don’t try to control the uncontrollable things.
• Look for the upside as opportunity for your personal growth.
• Share your feelings to your trusted friends.
• Learn to forgive and move on.

5: Adopt a healthy lifestyle

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Reduce caffeine and sugar.
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.
• Get enough sleep.