Simple Tips For Relieving Stress

People with chronic illnesses or chronic pain need to learn to manage stress. Here are some simple tips for reducing everyday stress from the experts at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society:

• Simplify your life. Relax a few of your standards. In other words, let the grass grow.
• Plan ahead in situations that could cause stress. For example, if you expect to be in a situation in which you’ll have to be waiting, take a book with you.
• Make plans for extra sleep before family gatherings or important events.
• Learn to say no.
• If old interests and activities become more difficult or too time consuming, replace them with new ones that fit your current needs.
• Do the unpleasant things early in the day so that you don’t have to worry about them.
• Don’t try to answer the phone on the first ring. Let it ring. Consider buying an answering machine.
• Schedule rest periods. Knowing that you are going to rest on a regular basis can stop you from feeling guilty about not completing a task.
• Learn to revise time schedules. If you told a friend you would meet at noon, and are running late, is there any reason the appointment can’t be changed to one? Finally, work toward the award for “Has the Best Sense of Humor.” It never hurts to be able to laugh at yourself.