WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS
Unmanaged stress can have a negative effect on your health and well-being, increasing your chances of being involved in an accident. The following are some tips to help you cope with stress in positive ways.
MAkE TiME TO RELAX. One of the body’s automatic reactions to stress is rapid, shallow breathing. To turn off this response and turn on your relaxation response, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply. Also, stretch the muscles in your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and upper body to release tension.
A vOid SMALL ANNOYANcES by planning ahead and expecting the unexpected. Eliminate small stressful situations by arranging travel schedules to avoid rush-hour traffic. Conduct thorough vehicle pre-and post-trip inspections to avoid mechanical delays or stress from receiving citations or out-of-service orders.
N EvER MAkE TOO MANY LifESTYLE chANGES at once. If you are facing one big change (as a new job or moving to a new home), wait until you have adjusted to it before taking on another stressful situation.
A LLOW YOuR MiNd TO ThiNk pOSiTivELY and shut out negative thoughts. Maintain a sense of humor and learn to laugh at the stressful situations and your reactions to them. Interact and socialize with people who have positive attitudes.
GET ENOuGh SLEEp. Adults need 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night (or day). Don’t eat heavy meals or watch TV in bed shortly before bedtime. Block out light and noise. Consider using a sleeping mask and/or ear plugs if necessary.
E XERciSE REGuLARLY by doing activities that you enjoy for at least 30 minutes each day. Find activities that can be done on the road or at home, such as walking, running, calisthenics, aerobic exercise, jumping rope, swimming, etc.
SiMpLifY YOuR LifE by eliminating unnecessary activities
and responsibilities and learning to say no.
T RY TO WALk AWAY from stressful situations or learn to handle them more creatively. Simply changing your environment can decrease your stress level. Stay calm.
REcOGNizE YOuR bOdY’S RESpONSE to stress so
you can learn to deal with it appropriately.
EAT REGuLARLY ANd NuTRiTiOuSLY. Consume less alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to strengthen your body’s immune system.
ShARE YOuR pRObLEMS. Discuss your concerns and stressful situations with trustworthy individuals, such as a family member, friend, co-worker, clergyman, or support group.
SEEk pROfESSiONAL cOuNSELiNG if the pressure becomes too great. Contact your company’s Employee Assistance Program for help in finding an experienced, confidential counselor. You can also contact your local mental health association or other counselors or enroll in a stress management class.
This card is provided as a service to the transportation industry by:
Protective Insurance Company
P.O. Box 7099 Indianapolis, IN 46207-7099 317-636-9800
His dream is to one day open up a nervous hospital in our little town. He figures that's where the money will be. JK!!!! We've got the "think positively" down pat. You have to laugh! We do!!!! Last night's ballgame was the perfect example on when to laugh.....believe me I did...and slept like a baby...no crazy dreams!!! YEAH!!!!!
As for the ear plugs...now there's an idea:)
Carrie
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1 comment:
Great advise!
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