Here are a few changes one can incorporate into the daily routine to manage stress better. 

• Make a ‘To Do' list. Make a realistic prioritized checklist each day and tick it off as you go along. This will help you feel more in control. 

• Practice letting go. The next time you find yourself becoming annoyed at something trivial, make a conscious effort not to get upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn't deserved. 

• Look away. Keep a reminder to take a break every half an hour from staring at your computer screen. Close your eyes, blink rapidly, wash them with cool water, or look at something other than the screen. 

• Sit up straight. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress. Hold your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Take a few minutes every hour to stretch your back, shoulder, and neck muscles. 

• Don't go hungry. Eat small, nutritious snacks and drink plenty of water. Even though you may not have noticed it yet, hunger or dehydration can increase feelings of stress. 

• Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to a stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. 

• Speak slowly. When stressed, there is a tendency to speak fast and breathlessly. Slowing down your speech helps you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. 

• Look at something relaxing. Use a calming picture or motivational quote as your wallpaper which will help you relax when you look at it throughout the day. 

• Plan something rewarding for the end of your stressful day. It could be something simple like a favourite TV program, time to read, or playing with the dog or the kids. Remember that you need time to recharge and energize yourself to be better prepared to face another stressful day. 

It may help you to take the Stress Audit to understand what specifically is causing your current stress. You can then work towards dealing with these issues. If you would like to discuss this further, do contact a counsellor. 

If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help.