How many times have you gotten angry at yourself for misplacing your keys, being late to meet a friend, or forgetting to pay a bill on time? Being angry at ourselves can be one of the most stressful experiences there is. We are our own worst critic. Trying to change this behavior for the better, even a little bit, can help you feel happier and less stressed. Try some of the following tips to get started.
If you procrastinate, you run the risk of increasing your stress levels without even realizing it. Even though most of us agree that we work best under pressure, the opposite is actually true. Are you actually doing your best when doing it at the last minute? The stress of having the extra pressure on your shoulders from the impending duty that you keep putting off automatically increases your stress level. Rather than procrastinating, complete your work as soon as you receive it in order to reduce your stress level.
A great and simple way to reduce your stress level is to take a break, even if it's just a minute or two. By stepping away from a stressful situation, you are allowing yourself to rejuvenate and recover for a few short minutes. By letting your body relax and your stress hormones to reduce, you are giving yourself a fresh start at the project at hand. With a new perspective after your small break, you might find that the task at hand isn't as stressful as it first seemed.
Keep your body in good shape and get regular check-ups so that you have less to worry about. Worries over your health cause stress. Also, neglecting efforts needed to maintain good health can cause your health to deteriorate over time. Make sure you see a doctor regularly for checkups and for health screenings. This will alleviate stress about your health and keep you healthy.
Write down what is bothering you. Writing it down and seeing it on paper, will help to provide some perspective on what it is that is causing you stress. Divide your paper in half and on one side, list the stressors you can change and on the other side, list those that you can not change. Try to let go of the things you can't change and try to fix the ones that you can change.
If you are having a disagreement with someone, try having a long talk with them to work things out. This can be very relieving and take a weight off your shoulders that you may be carrying around all day. Resolving disputes with others can go a long way in alleviating stress.
As you can see, being kind to yourself really isn't that hard, and it sure feels better than being stressed and angry. Don't underestimate the ill effects of stress on your health. Factor the above tips into your daily habits, and you will be making a very positive investment in your health and your life.