Stress is the primary affliction of modern society, but it doesn’t have to be fatal. By learning to manage stress, individuals can prevent it from ruining their daily lives and causing various health problems such as backaches, stomach aches, and headaches. Acquiring the necessary skills to cope with stress is possible even in highly stressful situations such as rush hour at work or family issues. Part 1 of this topic discussed four stress-management techniques, part 2 highlighted five additional methods, and this final section will provide extra strategies and tips to cultivate self-awareness and inner tranquillity.

Managing your schedule

When someone is overwhelmed, they don’t always know where to start. Please write down the tasks you need to do and rank them in order of urgency. Finally, draw up a schedule for the next day, including a break.

This will give you an idea of what to do and how long it will take. Don’t you feel relieved?

A person’s attention span varies. However, everyone must take a few minutes to get fresh air, walk, or drink water.

Take this opportunity to assess your working conditions. Does your office chair give you back pain? Does your computer need an overhaul? Doesn’t your work clothing need to be replaced? Ensure you have the tools you need to perform the tasks.

Bottom line:

At the office:

• Reorganize tasks.
• Tidy up your workspace.
• Replace tools if needed.
• Train yourself in new skills.

At home: learn to delegate, list things to do, share a car to go to work or take the kids to school, and above all, don’t panic if not all tasks are completed.

Manage your physical condition

Even if you don’t like sports, choose a discipline you enjoy. Studies have shown that a person should exercise at least half an hour daily (walking counts!). A few laps in the pool, a little jogging, or a game of squash will relax and relieve tension.

You are spoiled for choice since all sports activities help to eliminate stress. In fact, physical activity has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.

If you are not a great sportsman, you can start gently: swimming, jogging, martial arts, dancing, cycling, etc.

Take time to relax

Stress is a sure sign that your body needs a change of scenery! Why not take a weekend or a few days away from the city? Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the daily routine. Try new activities and restaurants with your friends, and search for something new!

It’s proven that relaxation reduces the effects of stress! With a bit of practice, you can put your brain in a state of wakefulness when you need it.

On a more regular basis, take the time to spend 20 to 30 minutes in nature three times a week (a city park works well). A study from the University of Michigan shows that a simple walk, or a little time spent sitting and contemplating vegetation, significantly reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels (one of the stress hormones).

Practicing yoga

Yoga is an excellent technique for overcoming anxiety. This oriental practice allows rebalancing the energy in the stomach and viscera. Thus, the practitioner finds a certain serenity. Ideal to face the trials of life! 

Yoga helps to manage stress and improve well-being. Practicing yoga once a week offers relaxation, letting go, and self-knowledge. Many similar therapies aim to rebalance the body’s energy in the belly.

There are many disciplines based on this same principle:

reiki, shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu;

Qi Qong, Tai Chi Chuan, etc.

Taking a cure

A stressed person may suffer from back pain, neck pain, headaches, or stomach aches. They may also have insomnia, joint problems, respiratory problems, or rheumatism. In short, she is prone to many ailments.

Effectively treating these aches and pains allows the body to relieve itself and the mind to get rid of stress. Think of thermal cures, but also balneotherapy and thalassotherapy.

The final word

Try all the techniques from part 1 to part 3 to overcome stress, and share your experience in the comments below.