Chronic stress: 5 steps to overcome

Stress can be useful, if, thanks to the release of adrenaline increases our productivity and ingenuity: then we can just do something that is important to us. However, chronic stress - it is always bad.

Often, chronic stress leads to problems such as anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, high blood pressure, weakened immunity Research shows that stress can contribute to the development of depression, obesity, severe diseases of the cardiovascular system. The American Psychological Association provides useful recommendations.

Avoid all unnecessary

Make a list of current affairs and projects. Among them are absolutely necessary and cross out everything else. Discuss with the authorities a list of their responsibilities and priorities and seek advice about the work on current projects. With regard to the duties that are not work-related (social, voluntary) - Talk to people you made promises, and warned that in the moment you are not able to fulfill them. You can also ask for help. Do not take on any new commitments until you feel that the level of stress in your life down to acceptable.

Apply the "support group»

Talk to a friend or relative with whom you have a close relationship. Tell them that you are hard, and you would be happy to receive support and advice. Perhaps a loved one ever experience similar difficulties, and he will be able to share the experience. You do not have to deal with life's challenges alone. Help family and friends can also give you the strength to begin to live a more healthy lifestyle.

Take a small step to a healthy life

Improve health, you add yourself the energy needed to cope with life's difficulties. The positive effect can give even small changes - such as reducing caffeine. Studies show that without caffeine people feel more calm, less "twitchy", improves the quality of sleep, added energy, decrease or disappear unpleasant symptoms such as heartburn or muscle pain. Walking or other aerobic physical activity also help add energy, improve concentration and reduce anxiety. Physical activity increases the production of endorphins and reduce the production of stress hormones.

Naladte sleep

People experiencing chronic stress, often sleep poorly and suffer from insomnia. It is important to lay down every day at about the same time, sleep not less than 7-8 hours. For a couple of hours before bedtime, it is desirable to try to relax - listen to relaxing music, read a good book, take a bath, meditate. Just before going to bed is not desirable to eat much or exercise. If you often can not sleep and lay in bed, thinking about all your worries, try to make a list in advance of everything that bothers you. With better understand the problems in the morning with a fresh mind.

Try to think positively

Try to find the positive in what is happening, and not just the negative side, do not forget that emerging problems are often open up new opportunities. Sometimes stress is caused by the persistent desire to do everything perfectly. By setting a more realistic standards and expectations, you can also reduce your stress level.

If necessary - to seek psychological advice!