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[Managing stress.]
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Watch this: one little piece of paper can have a remarkable effect.
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Stress is stressful. [Job interview]
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But if you understand a bit about what it is, you'll be better able to deal with it.
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First, though, take a few deep breaths.
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In fact, do that anytime you feel stressed—it helps.
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Stress is a survival mechanism.
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When danger appears, it can get you out of trouble quickly.
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Your body crashes up the gears and throws all its resources into getting you moving.
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Your heart pumps furiously to increase blood pressure.
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Glucose is sent to the muscles as a fuel injection, and you become totally focused on what psychologists call "fight-or-flight."
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Thing is, this emergency state is only meant to last just long enough to get you out of danger.
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-But here in the 21st century we stress about different things and for much, much longer. -[Where did I put my wallet? Did I lock the front door? Exams next week!!!]
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Your brain and body stay on red alert, and you'll be less able to think clearly, learn or remember things.
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Take a few more deep breaths.
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Because as you now know stress is a physical reaction, and deep breathing helps to counteract its effects
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So, what else can you do?
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Okay, top tips to reduce stress—first, get plenty of exercise.
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Let out all that locked up energy.
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Now back to the problem—get in control.
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Scope out the situation and how you're going to tackle it.
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Don't stress alone—talk to someone.
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Socialize and have a laugh.
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You can't laugh and quake with fear at the same time.
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Get down with nature on a big or small scale.
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And if your mind won't stop worrying, get something else to do instead.
