CDA Essentials 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 3

36 | 2019 | Issue 3 I ssues and P eople While these behaviours might provide temporary relief, they actually increase stress and further damage our health over time. Turning bad stress into good stress While we can’t control what life throws our way, we can find healthy and effective ways to cope. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, try the following: ➲ Exercise. Physical activity not only keeps your body and mind in shape, it’s also a great stress-busting tool. Exercise helps to increase the production of endorphins — your body’s feel-good chemicals. Working up a sweat will help you shed the day’s stresses, elevate your mood and remain calm. ➲ Stop and breathe. Find ways to relax and refocus. This can include breathing exercises, meditation, massage, yoga, tai chi or just finding time to read or listen to music. ➲ Focus on your accomplishments. There are always those weeks when everything goes wrong or you have too much to do. When this happens, focus on your accomplishments rather than your failures. Many people find it helpful to keep a gratitude journal in which they write down what they are thankful for every day, including their own talents and abilities. ➲ Talk to a trusted friend or family member. Knowing that people have your best interests at heart can greatly reduce your stress levels. Your friends and family can help you put things into perspective and offer sound advice and support. ➲ Socialize. Stressful events can make you feel miserable, tired and sometimes sad. While the last thing you may want to do is be around other people, it’s actually the first thing you should do. It’s hard to feel anxious when you’re around positive people and laughter is the best medicine — it triggers the release of endorphins that give you a sense of well-being. ➲ Set boundaries. Many of us find it hard to say no and, as a result, find ourselves overwhelmed with work, family and social obligations. Setting boundaries is a skill that takes practice so many experts suggest starting with small things. ➲ Take action. Sometimes we increase our stress by fretting about a problem instead of doing something about it. For example, instead of worrying constantly about your finances, take action by consulting a financial advisor, talking to your bank or contacting your Members’ Assistance Program. Finally, remember that some stress makes life exciting. It drives you to reach goals, deal with problems and increase your effectiveness in all areas of your life. However, if you continue to feel overwhelmed and/or sad, talk to your doctor or contact your Members’ Assistance Program. a Physical activity not only keeps your body and mind in shape, it’s also a great stress- busting tool.