WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS AT HOME AND AT WORK

Think carefully about your goals. You may expect too much from yourself and others. There may be some things you don't have to do right away. There may be some things you don't have to do so often. There even may be some things you don't have to do at all! You can still enjoy life even if things aren't perfect.

Ask for help when you need it. If you can't do a job alone, ask a co-worker or your supervisor for help. Sharing the work may reduce the stress.

Develop and keep good friendships. Friends and family members can help you talk about your stressful feelings. Ask for advice if you need it. Or just ask a friend to listen. Sometimes stress doesn't seem so bad if you can talk it over with someone.

Practice positive "self-talk." When something happens that makes you feel upset, try repeating a positive saying to yourself: I can handle this. This too will pass. Get a grip! Someday we'll all laugh about this. A positive attitude CAN make stress go away.

Plan well. Don't let stress sneak up on you. Be ready for the little things that can go wrong. For example, buy stamps before you need them. Stash extra keys so you won't be stressed if you misplace the keys to the house or car. Always make a "Plan B" for picking up kids at school or other activities.

Learn to be a problem-solver. When you face a problem, list some possible solutions. Think carefully about each one. What would work and what wouldn't? Pick one solution to try. If it doesn't work, go back to your list and try another. Problem-solving lets you be in charge of the stress so it won't be in charge of you.

Take time for exercise. A healthy body is better prepared to handle stress. If you sit all day at your job, take a walk at lunch time. Climb stairs instead of using the elevator. Or choose another exercise you enjoy. Keep physically fit so you can handle any mental stress that comes your way.

Cooperate If you disagree with someone at work or at home, look for one thing you CAN agree about. Try a little "give and take" and watch stress disappear.

Make time for yourself. That's not being selfish. It's being smart. The best way to avoid stress is to stay relaxed. Even if you just take ten minutes to quietly read your favorite magazine, you'll feel better. Or play a game with your kids. It's never too late to remember to have fun.

See the funny side of life. Laugh. You'll enjoy life more and others will enjoy you.

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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Interim Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

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