Job Success

Modify your reaction to stress

Not all stress has a negative effect on the body. By recognizing your emotional and physiological reaction to stress, you can begin to change your behavior. If you can control your reaction to stress, you are more likely to be successful both at work and at home.

To begin to modify your reaction to stress:

• Remove unnecessary stress.
  There are many stressful elements you can remove from your life. For example, limit your access to the daily news, remove yourself from a stressful relationship, or stop taking on new projects for a while.
• Change your reaction.
  It's impossible to avoid all stressful events and situations. However, you can change your reaction to such stressful elements.
• Identify healthy coping skills that will work for you.
  Review the list of healthy coping strategies and identify one that you think may work for you. Next, seek ways to incorporate this activity into your daily life. For example, if you want to try a new sport, find a team, attend weekly practice, and participate in scheduled games. Avoid trying too many new strategies at once because it may result in more stress.
• Practice healthy coping skills often.
  This can keep you from feeling too overwhelmed and anxious.