You are under a great deal of pressure at college and work. Describe six stress management techniques you could use to deal with the bodily effects, ineffective behavior, and/or upsetting thoughts that occur with stress; and explain how each technique will alleviate these stress reactions

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

includes a brief description of any six of the following. To deal with the
bodily effects of stress: (1) Exercise: Regular exercise alters hormones, circulation, muscle
tone, and a number of other aspects of physical functioning. Together, such changes can
reduce anxiety and lower the risks for disease. As little as 30 minutes of total exercise per
day, even if it occurs in short 10- to 20-minute sessions, can improve mood and energy. (2)
Meditation: It can quiet the body and promote relaxation. Meditation is easy to learn, but
anything that reliably interrupts upsetting thoughts and promotes relaxation can be helpful,
such as playing music, taking nature walks, and enjoying hobbies. (3) Progressive relaxation:
By first tensing and relaxing each area of the body, you can learn what muscle tension feels
like and it becomes more noticeable and more controllable and allows you to reduce tension.
(4) Guided imagery: In this technique, people visualize images that are calming, relaxing, or
beneficial in other ways. To deal with ineffective behaviors: (5) Slow down: Since stress can
be self-generated, deliberately slowing down can slow one's pace that has speeded up over
the years. (6) Get organized: Disorganization creates stress, so organizing and setting priorities
can relieve stress. (7) Strike a balance: Damaging stress often comes from letting one
element, such as work or school, get blown out of proportion. (8) Recognize and accept your
limits: Set gradual, achievable goals for yourself. Learn to say no to added demands or
responsibilities. (9) Seek social support: Close, positive relationships with others facilitates
good health and morale and serve as a buffer to cushion the impact of stressful events. (10)
Write about your feelings: Several studies have found that students who write about their
upsetting experiences, thoughts, and feelings are better able to cope with stress, experience
fewer illnesses, and get better grades. (11) Avoid upsetting thoughts: Physical symptoms and
a tendency to make poor decisions are increased by negative thoughts or "self-talk.". Positive
coping statements can be used to refute these negative self-statements in a procedure known
as stress inoculation. (12) Lighten up: A good sense of humor can lower your distress/stress
reaction to difficult events because it puts things in perspective and allows one to laugh at
life's ups and downs.