Everyday Stress and How To Beat It - By: AnnA Rushton

I learned to overcome the stress in my life by taking some simple steps that helped me to tackle it. I admit that, like everyone else, I slip into routines and habits that I don't even think about but that are actually building up stress for me. Now I have learned how to deal with that, and it has made a huge difference in reducing my stress levels. It can do the same for you.

Have you got into a routine where you 'always' do certain tasks or chores and they are now proving heavy going? You can change things to make your stress levels lower, but do be realistic about what you can achieve. Are you in the routine of always being the one who has to make dinner in the evening? Delegate so others get a chance to make a meal or choose one night where you get to eat out?

Are you the one who uses up their lunch hour to go to the post office, replenish the office tea and biscuit supply or is responsible for cards and collections for staff events like leaving parties or get well flowers? Well, again couldn't someone else take over for a while? Think about who you could ask, and if no one is willing to take it on, then why don't you just stop doing it for a while and see what happens? Saying clearly to your colleagues, friends and family that you need a break because you have got too much else on is a positive step forward.

Be honest, are you working too many hours so you can't possibly get everything done? Working long hours really adds to the stress you are putting yourself under.

Time management is not just a tool for executives, it is simply a good way or organising time to serve you best. It's important to know just where the biggest chunks of your time go and how you spend the day, so get yourself a diary with enough room to write those details in. Put in all the things you do every day and keep that up for at least a week. This will give you a very clear idea of where, and on what, you spend the majority of your time. At the beginning of the week make a master list of the things that must be done that week and use it as a check list each day to focus on what to tackle first.

You are not a robot, and being human means being fallible so give yourself some space and accept that it isn't always possible to get everything done. It helps to prioritise so you are clear about what it is really essential to do first. The 'A' list is usually the urgent and essential tasks, the 'B' list is important but not as urgent and the 'C' list is neither urgent nor of high priority but will need to be done at some stage. An example of an 'A' task would be ringing the plumber if you have a burst pipe, a 'B' task would be contacting the insurance company and a 'C' task would be finding a decorator to repair the damage.

Take the time today to start making some small changes and you will soon see your stress levels reducing, and that means you will be healthier, and happier as a result.

About the Author

AnnA is the author of the practical ebook, 'How To Handle Stress' and is an inspirational writer and speaker on health, personal development and creativity. For more information and news of her special bonus on Attitude and Illness, visit http://www.sortingstressout.com If you would like free email newsletters, creative resources and archives then visit her main website at http://www.catalystonline.co.uk

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/AnnA-Rushton/44861

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