STRESS: A reaction to an event.
UNDERSTANDING STRESS
Understand what stress is and what it can do.
Be aware of the kinds of stress in your life and how you react.
Find the level of stress that's optimal for you. Remember that either too low or too high a level of stress can be harmful.
Understand that your evaluation and thoughts about an event play a major role in the frequency and intensity of the stress you experience.
DEVELOP EFFECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
Deal with problems right away, before they get out of hand.
Define your problem and break it down into manageable pieces.
Develop and evaluate courses of action in an effort to create a problem solving plan.
Avoid a crisis by developing a contingency plan.
Don't overanalyze the problem. Select a course of action and follow through.
Be flexible. New information can be incorporated into your problem solving plan.
Ask others for help. A team approach is usually more effective.
BE AWARE OF YOUR FEELINGS AND BEHAVIORS
Spend some time identifying your feelings.
Learn to express your feelings.
Understand that anger is a normal and healthy emotion. The key to managing anger is to find appropriate outlets to express it.
Accept that you cannot control everything and develop the wisdom to know what you can and cannot control.
Take care of yourself by making sure you reserve time for yourself.
Get involved in activities that make you happy.
Avoid trying to be perfect.
Congratulate yourself on any positive steps you take.
TREAT YOUR BODY RIGHT
You will have more energy and self-confidence and be less susceptible to the physical side effects of stress when you eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
Avoid self-medication and abusing substances like drugs, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and food. These reduce the perception of stress, but don't reduce the stress and actually increase the strain on your body.
Take charge of your life.
Learn and practice a relaxation response exercise daily.
If you would like more information regarding this topic, please call the Civilian Employee Assistance Program Counseling and Referral Service (CEAP C/RS) at (202) 433-0087 or outside the local dialing area you may use 1-800-995-9791.
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