Reducing Stress

Stress is present in all cultures, some more than others. In affluent Southern California, most people are lucky enough to have ample food and shelter. Economic survival for most is not an issue.

Parents want their children to succeed. The treadmill starts early with pressure to be good at school, sports, the arts, and social life. Many kids don’t have much wiggle room. Adults don’t either with the pressure they face to compete within an increasingly smart, well-educated work force.

So how do people handle the long hours, the competition, the high expectations, and explosion of information that inundates us all?   Managing stress in many ways is common sense and not complicated. The problem is convincing people that psychological health is important and a key ingredient in successful living. Here are some ideas for stress management.

1. Take planned vacations on a regular basis.
2. Exercise regularly. Make it fun and interesting.
3. Surround yourself with valued friends and family members.
4. Get reasonable sleep and eat good food.
5. Spend time in aesthetic surroundings. Beauty soothes.
6. Pursue a meaningful hobby.
7. Create a plan for some “down time” each day.
8. Be positive to those in your environment.
9. Create structures that protect “off duty” time.
10.Evaluate your life plan as you go along.

Most people run into complex problems from time to time. Too often people go it alone and don’t seek help from others. Consider talking to a “wise person”. This might be a spouse, a trusted friend, clergyman, mental health professional, or attorney amongst others.  Speaking a problem out loud immediately can bring new clarity as can the viewpoint of another. This type of consultation is particularly important, when the stakes are high in the decision making process. John Kennedy had an esteemed group of people in his cabinet. He insisted people give him honest opinions, and then he made up his mind. This model is a good one.

Managing stress well can make life more enjoyable and meaningful. It is an important component of successful living.