Becoming STRESS "Busters"

Knowing what triggers your stress is the first step

There's are two kinds of stress, good stress and bad stress. Good stress makes us feel challenged and helps push us towards achievement or success. Bad stress is the kind we encounter when we are frightened, threatened, or irritated. Constant exposure to negative stress could lead to an assortment of health problems from simple headaches to lingering depression or anxiety - and the best way of fighting stress and the problems it brings is to know what triggers it. Here are some ways of dealing with stress, which has been tagged as the modern world's #1 health menace.

How can I deal with stress in the workplace?
Don't stage a dramatic exit or storm out of the office.Walk away. Just leave your desk, even for just a few minutes. Turn off your cellphone and put it in a locked drawer, then find a spot where you can be alone. Take a deep breath. It sounds so simple, but it will really help if you take time to breathe slowly and deeply. Don't make stress a day-long habit.Set aside an hour or to for "unexpected and urgent stuff". since we all know what it's like to get strange requests or orders out of the blue, it's best to set aside time to deal with such things. If there are no unexpected surprise that day, you can always go on with your regular workload.

Is alcohol a good stress-reducer?
A little alcohol doesn't hurt if you only drink it to help you unwind. But it's not healthy if you use it as a crutch to deal with stress. It can function as an "artificial stress reducer", meaning it merely masks a symptoms and often makes symptoms worse.

I love coffee and I take it to keep me alert. Could it be a stress inducer?
Monitor your coffee intake. As with all things, moderation is the key. If you feel agitated, try drinking cold water (which is healthier and helps your body flush out toxins) or tea sing blends that invigorate instead of soothe.Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine (found in some sodas) and don't take coffee late in the day as it may make sleeping difficult. When you want to settle down at the end of the day, treat yourself to a relaxing cup of chamomile tea. It's great for frazzled nerves.

Sometimes, I feel stressed because of what's happening at home! How can I avoid this?
Set a schedule for your household chores so you don't get overwhelmed by them. Delegate whenever possible and reward yourself when a chore is done.You might think about getting a pet. Stroking a pet has been shown to lower blood pressure.If you live in a place that doesn't allow pets, why not try your hand at gardening? Even potted plants will do. Being interested in other things takes the focus off your own worries. As a bonus, giving a bit of yourself to a growing, living entity can also make you a more caring person.