Strategies that we used to reduce stress

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Strategies to Reduce Stress
Stress management is an important aspect that ensures that the condition does not escalate to adverse levels. Stress management techniques help one learn healthy ways of addressing stress, minimize or eliminate the harmful impacts, and assist in dealing with future challenges. The use of the strategies empowers an individual to have control over their thoughts, lifestyle, problems, and emotions (Mikolaj, 102). The daily challenges of life make it essential for everyone to have techniques that they can use to manage stress. The effectiveness of a strategy of reducing stress varies from one person to another, hence the need to develop the methods that can work for me.
One of the methods that I will implement to reduce stress is meditation. Meditation helps in making the mind tranquil and having a deep relaxation state, thus the improved emotional and physical well-being. The benefits that the method presents makes this an attractive technique for stress management. With this, I can get instant results of relaxation that continue throughout the day. Additionally, I can tailor my meditation process to suit my lifestyle, needs, and situation. For instance, I do not have to follow some particular set methods to achieve the desired results. Also, meditation assures the reduction of stress through a means that does not have any expenses, and I can monitor my progress each day (Smith, 78). However, the technique necessitates frequent practice to ensure its effectiveness.

Secondly, I will utilize time management as a way to prevent and minimize stress. The effective control of stress is significantly dependent on the proper utilization of time. By avoiding over-commitment and prioritizing the various daily tasks, I will ensure that I can do all my activities that are critical. As a result, I will avoid any elements that might trigger stress. Also, I will identify the areas where there is time-wastage and correct the same that will lead to having adequate time to undertake all my duties. Another attractive feature of time management is the ability to have systems that can help realize the effective use of the technique. I can use tools such as calendars to note all the important tasks that are crucial and thus can do them within the specified time and, in turn, eliminating any opportunities to get stressed.
Another method that I will use to ensure that I accurately manage stress is through exercising. Physical activity is an excellent mechanism for having a healthy body that in turn helps in relieving stress (Mikolaj, 113). The technique presents outstanding benefits that make it among the most used method of reducing stress. The various forms of exercise such as running and playing games can help enhance my mood by improving relaxation and self-confidence. The outcome is an important aspect when dealing with self-esteem issues that are a significant contributor to stress. Also, I will achieve meditation using exercise since it will enable me to concentrate on my movements rather than on other matters. Additionally, the method has scientific backing concerning its triggering of endorphins that are feel-good hormones. I am, thus assured that the technique will assist in minimizing stress. However, the shortcoming of the technique is the lack of the extents to which one should exercise to reap the most benefits that can help relax the mind.
Also, yoga is another stress-reducing strategy that I will utilize to reduce the stress. Yoga entails various aspects such as meditation, exercise, and breathing control. All these aim at improving both mental and physical health and help in deeper self-awareness. The technique addresses several issues at the same time making it an attractive strategy to counter and eliminate stress. The combination of the exercise, breathing control, and meditation makes the method more effective. The method brings together the body, soul, and mind and thus an enhanced view of issues. For this reason, there is the interlinking of different elements that can help with stress reduction. Also, the advantage of having improved well-being and mood enhancement make the strategy a suitable one for stress reduction. The procedure has been utilized over the years with people reporting the tremendous positive changes that they have realized (Smith, 154). I thus have the assurance that the technique can assist in managing and controlling stress. The limitation of the strategy is that it requires that one commits considerable time to the same. The method might hence not be applicable in instances that I may not have enough time to do the process. Additionally, it presents a problem in cases where there are physical challenges such as when there is an injury that cannot allow the stretching and pose-striking. Also, an effort is necessary in yoga and at times, I may be tired and cannot perform it hence a limiting factor.
Finally, I will utilize the social engagement as a means to ensure that my stress levels do not spiral out of my control. Being in touch with other human beings and sharing my challenges with them is an effective way of getting the inner peace that is critical in the reduction of stress (Umberson and Montez, 58). By having someone that listens to the problems that I go through and providing advice, it becomes easier for me to deal with life stresses. I will hence need to make sure that I have a network of people that I can confide in and find support in tough situations. Numerous research studies show that in stressful conditions it is easier for one to get over a situation when they have other human beings that care for them. The investigations give me the confidence that if I build and maintain significant relationships, I will have people to communicate with when I have troubles and minimize the stress. The challenge with the mechanism is that not everyone in the network of friends can help in alleviating stress. I have to discern whom to go to when I have a challenge that can give support to avoid getting additional stress.
In conclusion, it is paramount that one identifies stress reduction strategies that can work for them because of the distinct effects of the methods for each person. In my case, one of the techniques that I will use will be yoga. The many benefits that the process provides assists in alleviating stress making the method attractive. Secondly, I will utilize meditation and for this case, I will have to create time and be committed to the same to realize success. Thirdly, I will employ physical activity as a way of improving my well-being and self-confidence and enhancing my mood. Finally, social interactions will be an important part of my daily life that will ensure that I have a place where I can get support. By integrating the various strategies, it will be possible to handle any life stressor.

Works Cited
Mikolaj, Alan A. Stress Management. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.
Smith, Jonathan C. Stress Management. New York: Springer Pub., 2002. Print.
Umberson, D., and J. K. Montez. “Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior 51.1 Suppl (2010): S54-S66. Web. 17 Dec. 2015.

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