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Simple Ways to Manage Stress

A lot has been written about Stress Management. So, without beating around the bush, let me share a few tips, which can easily allow you to manage stress easily!
1. Live in the Moment: I am writing this blog right now -- that's it! -- My 100% attention on the blog means I can write it as effectively as possible -- without bothering about what happened an hour back or what will happen after an hour. When you focus on "NOW AND HERE", it has two benefits: better concentration and more effectiveness.
2. Do not "Run Away": Prof D M Pestonji, the most renowned expert of Stress Management in India, writes in his famous book: Stress and Coping: The Indian Experience, that there are two possible reactions when one faces stress: fight or flight. Deciding to face a problem and trying to solve it is a fight response. Running away from the problem, or taking a vacation to avoid attending a difficult meeting is a flight response. While the flight response is something I call, "Psychological Painkiller"-- as it only delays the stressful situation but complicates it as the matter is not resolved- the fight response is more like "Ayurveda" -- attacking the core problem and thus solving the problem from the root.
3. Breathe: Take deep breaths if stress is too high--it allows more oxygen in the blood stream and relieves you of stress temporarily.
4. Manage Time: Do not procrastinate. Manage the time effectively. Focus on urgent and important tasks ahead of the tasks which are urgent but not important. Answering an SMS or commenting on FB may be urgent, but not important at times. Keep a pocket diary and mark progress of whatever you have done.
5. Think that it is a part of life: Problems which are stressful, can be either solved or not solved. Some problems are beyond your control. Pollution, political issues, cricket results etc. should not give you stress. If things like these give you stress, learn to live with them as they are beyond your control. The same thing applies to what kind of neighbors you have or what kind of colleagues you have. At times, it is better to surrender to reality and move on.
6. Be Realistic: A lot of people overstretch themselves to do everything under the hood. You must remember that you cannot do everything and you cannot achieve everything. Also learn to forgive yourself. None is perfect and if you make errors, it is alright as it is normal to err for humans. Also do not be a control freak -- do not seek perfection in everything from others too.
7. Develop a hobby: Music, Dancing, Painting, Blogging (!!), Reading,-- develop any hobby of your choice. It allows to express yourself creatively and helps you manage stress creatively.
I do not want to give more stress to you by making you read more. I hope some of these practical tips will help you deal with stress.
Cheers!
pvariya@gmail.com

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