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Address conflicts with others
- If you have a problem with someone, tell the person directly. Avoid placing blame by saying "you always" or "you never" – instead say, "I feel _____ when you _____."
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Nurture yourself
- Eat well and devote time to the pursuits in life that matter most to you. Spend time with people you care about, and who care about you in return. Allow your creative and fun side to come through… and if you feel your life doesn't allow this to happen, consider if another path is available to you.
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Apply time management principles
- Being frequently late or behind schedule is a major stressor, so consider your priorities, then delegate or discard unnecessary tasks. Also, schedule your day into segments, setting aside a "slice" of time for each essential task (be sure to include time for relaxing!).
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Resist cognitive distortions
- Sometimes a problem seems worse in your head than it actually is. Avoid making your problems into bigger issues than they really are by taking time to think and reason before leaping to conclusions.
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Get help when you need it
- No man is an island, or so the saying goes. If you have a larger-than-life problem, ask for help (such as from a colleague or boss at work) or look for answers in books, classes, tutoring or even calling a knowledgeable friend or neighbor.
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Learn how to delegate
- There are only so many hours in a day. Carve more "me time" or "family time" out of yours by hiring help where you need it (such as housekeeping, cooking, or yard work). If you can't afford to hire help, try a bartering agreement or an exchange of services (you walk your neighbor's dog at lunch time and she babysits in return, etc.).
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Take advantage of mini-relaxations
- You may not have hours to unwind every day, but virtually everyone can take a few minutes to just breathe. At the very least, turn off your racing mind and simply focus on only the task at hand.
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Address your tensions head on
- Try massage, a hot bath, mini-relaxations, or a quick walk. Avoid ignoring tension, as it is likely to become progressively worse. Nip it in the bud the moment it pops up using relaxation response techniques.
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Remind yourself to stay optimistic
- This is a learned technique that can lead to a more joyful life and likely better health. As Harvard Health Beat says, "Practice deflating cognitive distortions. Rent funny movies and read amusing books. Create a mental list of reasons you have to feel grateful. If the list seems too short, consider beefing up your social network and adding creative, productive, and leisure pursuits to your life."
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Connect with others
- Loneliness can be a major source of stress, so make a point to connect with those around you – even a quick chat while in line at the grocery store. Work your way up to volunteering, attending community events, meeting acquaintances for coffee or taking a class to meet others with like interests. As Harvard Health Beat adds, "The world is a kinder, more wondrous place when you share its pleasures and burdens."