Jeanette Friesen, Extension Educator
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
Stress is just a part of 21st Century life! We can't live without it, and sometimes we feel that we can't live with it, either!
Stress can come from many sources. It might be from a family crisis - a death, divorce or long separation. It might be from overloaded schedules. It may be caused by expectations that cannot be met or unexpected circumstances. It may be caused by a loss - job, health, home, friendship.
Regardless of the cause, there are three ways you can manage your stress: alter it, avoid it, or accept it.
Alter your life by removing the source of stress. Some stressors can be relieved by better planning or organization in your life. Simple things like having emergency supplies on hand, not shopping at the busiest times of the week, or organizing your work space can each be stress relievers.
Avoid stress is another management strategy. Learning to say "no" when adding to your schedule will reduce your stress. If you are stressed by long waits, plan something to do (like reading a book) while you wait for an appointment. If there is too much tension in your home or office, go for a walk to clear your mind and relieve the tension.
Find a way to accept the stressors that you have no control over. Talking to a trusted friend will help you put things in perspective. Keeping in good health by eating well, getting enough sleep and keeping a routine are essential. Look for the good. Even in the worst of circumstances, there are things that can bring a smile to your face, reasons to be thankful, and opportunities to help others.
This week, try the stress management plan suggested by Herb Lingren, Extension Family Scientist. If your children are experiencing high levels of stress, help them work through these steps, too.
1. Describe the most stressful experience you had in the past month.
2. What were your symptoms? How did stress affect you physically and emotionally?
3. If it happens again, what could you do to alter the source of your stress?
4. What could you do to avoid the source of this stress?
5. What could you do to accept the source of stress by equipping yourself physically and mentally so you can tolerate the stress through better developing your:
physical health?
social health?
spiritual health?
6. How can you change your unrealistic expectations, irrational beliefs and negative self-talk?
After you have worked through this stress management tool, let us know how it worked for you or your child. Go to unlforfamilies.unl.edu and click on TIPS.
Source: How to Manage Daily Stress by Dr. Herbert G. Lingren, Extension Family Scientist, NF98-388. Written by Jeanette Friesen, UN Extension Educator.
