Our previous article included tips to address the physical aspects of stress.  But people aren’t just our bodies.  We also have minds, and stress affects us mentally as well as physically.

We can change our actions to “help our bodies” do what they need to do to recover.  Although we might not be able to control all our thoughts, we can choose what kind of thoughts we wish to focus on.

Here are some mental tips to manage stress.

Learn effective time management skills.  Make a plan.  Detail what needs to be done.  Organize tasks according to priorities.  Also, be prepared to revise your plan if unexpected events occur.  You will feel less stressed when you have a “game plan.”

Keep a positive attitude.  Worrying about things beyond your control can compound the feeling of stress.  Imagining problems that are unlikely to happen can tire you out and leave you less able to deal with the actual challenges in front of you.  Realize that there are things you can do to manage your stress.  Focus on the things you can change.  Then, take proactive steps to change them for the better.

Be assertive.  Assertive is not aggressive!  Aggressive people retaliate angrily, or lash out defensively, instead of considering possibilities.  Passive people allow others to run roughshod over them.  Neither one is good at reducing stress!  Assertive people securely state their opinions and feelings.  You do not need to bully or be bullied in order to earn the right to speak your mind.

Seek out social support.  No person is an island.  If you are feeling stressed, there is no need to suffer alone.  Extroverted people will feel relaxed and recharged after spending some time with others.  If you’re an introverted person, it’s important to get the time alone that you need to relax and recharge, but don’t neglect all your social contacts.  It’s crucial for you to have people to reach out to when you need help or feel lonely.  Joining a club, taking up a new hobby or taking part in an Internet community of people with shared interests can help you widen your circle of contacts.

Chiropractic care helps your nervous system operate at its best.  Regular maintenance care will strengthen your body’s ability to deal with stressors.

Learning to manage stress is the modern “balancing act.”

Without any stress, we wouldn’t be motivated to accomplish anything.  But too much stress is counter-productive.  It makes us feel tired and sick.  Also, it diminishes the quality of our daily lives.  In conclusion, make some healthy choices.  Take control of your own life!

If you haven’t been in to see your chiropractor in some time and you’re feeling the pressure of too much stress, it’s time to give us a call.  We have offices in both Saint John and Rothesay.  You can reach Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.