-
=X
Log out Welcome back
Are you a life coach, business coach or NLP practitioner? Join us Log in
Find a coach
  • Home
  • Coaching Areas
  • NLP
  • FAQs
  • Articles
  • Local events
  • Your stories
Welcome !
Member's AreaLog out
Log inJoin us
Bookmarks (-)
  • Home>
  • Articles>
  • Top 10 tips for stress prevention and promoting well-being

Top 10 tips for stress prevention and promoting well-being

Marc Kirby from Stress Management Plus
by Marc Kirby from Stress Management Plus, listed life coach
4th September, 2018
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Bookmark
4th September, 2018
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Bookmark

When things are tough, try one or more of the following:

1) Role modelling

How would someone I admire be handling things? This is someone you look up to, either famous or non-famous (friends, relatives etc.). Think about what they would be doing and how they would be acting, and try and do the same.

2) Best friend advice

What advice would I give to my best friend in the same (difficult) situation? This can be useful as it enables us to take a ‘3rd party’/detached view of things. It’ll be helpful too as we like our best friend, we respect our best friend, and we won’t beat our best friend up in the way we do ourselves sometimes.

3) Ask yourself, "is this situation within my control?"

If it’s not, let it go (this is a way of taking control). This is easier said than done I know, especially when something is terrifically important to us. We do take back the power though if we can acknowledge and identify that some things are beyond our control.

4) Realistic optimism

What would an optimist be doing/saying? Try and think how they would think, and do what they would do. This isn’t about kidding ourselves that everything’s alright, despite evidence to the contrary. It is about not letting negative thoughts and behaviours hinder our progress and well-being. Optimism will help us to deal with setbacks, and good things are more likely to happen to us.

5) Try not to assume ‘victim status’

When life is hard, it’s easy to feel sorry for ourselves, as a kind of defence mechanism. This is of course perfectly natural, acceptable and understandable, though we mustn’t let this become our default setting, as it can hamper us in dealing with adversity and getting the most out of situations.

Feeling sorry for yourself short term: generally okay.

Feeling sorry for yourself long term: generally not okay.

And in general, day-to-day:

6) Try a relaxation technique

How long have you been breathing, and are you any good at it? If we’re breathing deeply, from the diaphragm, it helps to relax us, and it’s very difficult to be tense. We’re then more able to deal with our day-to-day lives, and to think rationally and clearly. We’re also more likely to be healthy physically. Notice how you’re breathing. Try a breathing exercise like the ‘Benson relaxation technique’ (you can find it online).

7) Exercise

It’s good for you psychologically: if you’re physically fit you’re more likely to be psychologically fit.

It’s good for your brain and helps with concentration, memory and learning.

You don’t have to go to the gym every day - just build in some walking or another exercise for 15/20 minutes every day. Don’t overdo it, but try and get your heart rate up if you can.

8) Do what makes you feel good 

This is important especially if you used to do things you enjoyed which you’ve now stopped doing (because you’re a parent/professional/married/etc and you now haven’t got time… make some time). As long as it’s legal, and your enjoyment isn’t harming anyone else, don’t forget to do those things that make you feel fulfilled and happy. Life is too short not to, and you’ll end up being a better parent/professional/married person etc if you are experiencing those emotions.

9) Go easy on yourself

Do not give yourself a hard time when you make a mistake or things go wrong. If it spurs you on to re-double your efforts and go again, then fine. Otherwise, it’s a waste of time and energy, and is demotivating and tiring. This is especially so when you’ve made that particular mistake just the once: you are only human after all! You can just say to yourself "these things happen" and "won’t be doing that again" and move on.

10) Tell yourself you can do it/you can get through it

We can lack persistence sometimes, and give up when we encounter a hurdle or things don’t go well. If that’s you, remind yourself of the times when you were successful, of the good things that have happened to you and will be happening to you, and that you have been and can be resourceful. That way, you’ll approach and deal with situations more effectively.

These are 10 of the most useful tips, and I hope you’ll try at least one or two of them. You may not have been very skilled at some of them previously. Do be encouraged though by the fact that the more you practice the above, the better you’ll get, and, with practice, we’re aiming for it to come naturally. I have faith in you (and I want you to have faith in you too!).

Personal development
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Life Coach Directory is not responsible for the articles published by members. The views expressed are those of the member who wrote the article.

Marc Kirby from Stress Management Plus

About Marc Kirby

Marc has been involved in training, coaching and developing people for over 30 years. His interest is in supporting individuals to make the most of themselves; to maximise their potential; to perform to their best and to live their lives to the full. He runs Stress Management Plus, and Developing Connections, in Reading, Berkshire.… Read more

Located in Reading and Guildford.

Can also offer telephone / online appointments.

To book an appointment, please get in contact:

View profileEmail meCall me07421350257
Does your child feel like a victim? How to confidently cope with negative emotions
Find a business or life coach near you
advanced search

print this page

Related articles View all

Personal development
How to create a 'bucket list' to live a more fulfilled life
How to create a 'bucket list' to live a more fulfilled life
By Kaidi Bowen, CPCC & ACC
The term 'bucket list' was initially used for people who wanted to get a whole load of...
Personal development
5 strategies to find your life task
5 strategies to find your life task
By Fabrizio Ricciardi Life & Leadership Coach
You are unique! There is not anyone else in this world like you. You and only you can do...
Personal development Confidence
Essential mentoring skills
Essential mentoring skills
By Sarah Clark - Mariposa Coaching
As we go through our lives, we often find ourselves in a mentoring role, but what is...

Connect with us

Facebook
Twitter
"New supervision group - one year of supervision", ongoing event in Reading https://t.co/knITwWLxIj @illumdandelion
Get involved
More information
  • Home
  • About
  • Legal terms
  • Cookie policy
  • Privacy notice
  • Browse by region
  • Links
  • Press Centre
  • Site help

Company Details

  • Life Coach Directory, Building 3
  • Riverside Way, Camberley
  • Surrey, GU15 3YL
  • Membership Services Team: 0333 325 2501 *
  • Contact us
  • * Calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calling an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls.

Copyright © 2019
Site by Memiah Limited

Healthy ideas that change the world

Get our free monthly e-magazine straight to your inbox

Find out more at happiful.com

Happiful magazine cover
Before using our site, please take a moment to review our Privacy Notice and Cookies policy. By continuing to use this site we'll assume you agree to both.
Ok