Stress Reduction Plan

Whether you are looking to create a healthier environment for you, your family, or your business, a stress reduction plan may be just the ticket to enjoying life more.

Do you have a plan to relieve your stress?

Stress Reduction Plan Stressor Checklist

The first step to any successful stress reduction plan is to identify what issues are causing you stress.

Some common stresses include:

• Not enough time to complete assigned tasks
• Lack of information
• Unrealistic expectations
• Not enough money
• Lack of shared interests
• Interpersonal conflicts
• Imagined or real persistent criticism
• Low wages
• Long hours
• Messy or unpleasant physical environment
• Monotony of daily routine
• Lack of input into management decisions

To be most effective, creating this list must be done with input from all concerned, not only because you are not likely to be aware of all the stress issues but because it will give everyone a sense of ownership in putting in place a solution.

Prioritize the Issues

Once you've listed the stress triggers in your life, it is time to prioritize them. Look at both what issues are creating the most tension and those that are the most easily resolved. It is possible you can come up with some short-term solutions to several small issues that will give you the temporary relief you need to deal with the larger issues. For example, if money worries top your list, you may find the only answer is to look for a new job, which may take time. In the meantime, if disorganization in your office is also a high priority, an afternoon of sorting and filing may provide you with a modicum of relief.

Look for Resolution

Especially important is a group situation is to consult with everyone involved for viable stress reductions solutions. This is because those who help design and implement a solution are most apt to buy into the new plan of action and follow through.

Here are some examples of stress reduction solutions:

• If early morning rushing leaves you gasping for breath before you ever hit rush hour traffic, do some time management the night before. For example, lay out the clothes you and your family intend to wear, do any necessary ironing, and prepare lunches for the next day.
• If as a manager you spend half your day listening to upset employees who come to you with dire rumors, set up a Monday morning bullpen session, during which you go over company changes and offer employees the opportunity to add input into possible challenges. Take a few moments to address more prevalent rumors in the group environment, so all employees receive the same reassurance.

Get everyone involved.

• If you are an employee with a demanding boss who requires more overtime than you are comfortable providing, plan a meeting with your boss to discuss your concerns and options or dust off your resume. While this may seem simple, confrontation can be difficult and risky, but sometimes the short-term discomfort is the sacrifice you must make for long-term job satisfaction and stress relief. Another option is to look at your daily tasks and see if there are places where you can cut time or delegate work while still maintaining high-quality job performance.

Remember to keep the plan viable. World peace is a lofty goal and quite possibly would reduce your stress level, but a plan that included single-handedly conquering all the world’s evils. Peace in your household between teenagers is more within your reach with good communication skills and a lot of family cooperation.

A stress reduction plan is meant to cut down on the stress in your life, not create more. For that reason, it is important to remember your plan is a set of guidelines for improving your life. It is not set in stone. It is a pliable thing that can be changed until you find a model that works for you. Use it as a positive tool to improve the quality of your life and to help you build new coping skills.

• Alternative Anger Management Therapy
• Funny Stressful Clipart
• How to Handle Stress Clipart

• Anger Management Worksheets
• Mandalas for Meditation and Coloring
• Stress Management Lesson Plans
• Stress Management PowerPoint Presentation
• Free Guided Relaxation

• 101 Stress Relievers
• Stress Management Lesson Plans
• Stress Relief Desktop Games
• Passive Muscle Relaxation
• Physical Symptoms of Severe Stress