You may feel there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. However, you have more control over stress than you might think. No matter how stressful your life seems, you can take steps to relieve the pressure and regain balance.

How? By using the four A’s: avoid, alter, adapt, or accept.

• Start by reading these 12 specific tips offered in Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
• Download the “Stress Relief Toolbox” provided by the authors.  As they suggest, it’s not a bad idea to use one of these tools every day.  Don’t wait for stress to build up.
• If you’re a list-maker, the “Stress Management Self-Help Checklist” may appeal to you.  It’s a good way to stay on track and remind yourself of the importance of managing stress as part of your overall health.
• Last, but not least: if you’re trying to get a handle on the stressors in your life, consider keeping a “Stress Journal.”

For specific advice on how to cope with holiday expectations and holiday-related stress, review these articles from the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program:

• Give to Yourself This Holiday Season
• How to Let Go of Holiday Expectations
• Plan a Stress-Less Holiday

All Rights Reserved 2019 Beverly Michaelis