Coping With Stress
There are three, primary approaches to managing stress. 
Alter your attitude or your typical response.
Change your mental interpretation of the immediate situation, so that it is less upsetting. Be realistic and flexible when considering events that cause stress. "Life or death" situations are generally quite rare, and getting anxious can wear you down needlessly. Find a positive way to interpret situations that you cannot change, so that you can process and release anger and guilt.
Try and get away physically from the source of stress long enough to relax. Go for a walk if at work, or if you cannot leave the building, try finding a private corner and doing some stretches, relaxation breathing, or other quick stress release activity.
Changing your mind or your typical behavior is an effective way to stop the stress cycle immediately in its tracks.
Change the situation that is causing stress.
When you are away from the stressful event and can focus better, look at your situation objectively. Isolate the primary cause of stress and the feeling that it causes. Address this, even though it may seem to cause more stress in the beginning. If the cause of stress is poor physical condition, for instance, you will need to exert the energy necessary to begin a diet and exercise program. If it is a relationship, then confront the issues and assert your feelings in order to resolve the tension. If the cause is the environment, seek to change this by altering your schedule, your location, or your role within the environment.
Ask yourself whether this stress is a necessary step towards your goals, or a dead-end, no-win situation. For example, a necessary stress would be the temporary hardship of studying for exams in college. This type of stress is worth tolerating as long as you take reasonable care of yourself. A dead-end situation is a job role that offers no opportunities for advancement or growth in the future. This type of stress is one that you need to make concrete steps to change or else learn to cope with better.
Increase your tolerance for stress with a balanced lifestyle.
Spiritually ... maintain a regular practice of consciously connecting to God, Universal Spirit, or whatever gives you a sense of greater meaning. It is not so important what your religion or philosophy is, but that you use it to achieve and maintain love, harmony and health in your life. Prayer, meditation, group worship, and some support groups are common avenues of communicating with God. This union can restore and strengthen the most stress-charred soul.
Mentally/emotionally/socially ... develop a positive attitude and a sense of humor. Keep reminders of your philosophy or humor nearby, such as a saying hung on the wall. Develop a support system of family and friends, and share your feelings with those that you love. This is a highly effective way to relieve tension, raise spirits, and talk out alternative solutions. Develop leisure pursuits that can help you channel your feelings in creative and fun ways via painting, photography, dancing, horseback riding, singing, etc.
Physically ... take care of yourself with a healthy diet and a program of regular, gentle exercise (like walking, stretching or yoga). Seek professional help if you are ill or uncertain about how to go about it. This will help to keep your body in good, working order. Balance work with play and hobbies that bring to you whatever you are missing in your workrole: relaxation, adventure, time with family, time alone, etc. Spend as much time as possible in nature, for it has a balancing and healing effect on all creatures, including humans. Give yourself permission to relax, and you will find ways to do so.
©KatherineRone, updated 2013
