Taking stress home from the office has a destructive effect on home
life, and vice versa. The two can combine to form a vicious circle with no
escape. Remember: to make any stress-reducing action effective, it must be
complemented by taking some time off.
Making time for others
The first step towards reducing stress at home is to allow plenty of
time for family matters. Make your family aware that holidays with them are
sacred, and show friends that they are worth more than just a quick drink on a
Friday night every other month. Make sure that people at work are aware of your
commitments to your family – your child’s sports day, for example, or a
special anniversary – and that they have priority over work issues.
Simple things count for a lot: make an effort to have lunch regularly with your
partner, or time to kick a ball around with your children.
Spending time alone
If you do not enjoy your own company, you are condemned to be
dependent on others. Learn to enjoy yourself by yourself.
Planning an anti-stress day
The world is changing faster than ever, and the speed of these
changes is putting us all under unprecedented pressure. It is important that we
regularly visit the stability zones – dependable activities such as
walking the dog, going for a bicycle ride, reading a book, watering plants,
washing the car, or watching a television soap full of familiar, predictable
characters – that make us feel comfortable with ourselves and convince
us that all is well with the world. There is nothing better for recharging flat
batteries than a well-planned anti-stress day. Organize your activities well in
advance, take a day off from work and plan out your time. If you have any
children, arrange for them to stay with some relatives or friends, or include
them in your plans for your relaxation day.
Taking exercise
Exercise is a major stress reliever; take up a non-competitive
sport, and build your strength gradually.
Morning
Make sure that when you wake, you wake naturally. Do not leap out
of bed, but savour the prospect of the day ahead. Once you do get up, take a
few minutes to do some simple stretching exercises. Drink a glass of water
before enjoying a light breakfast, which should include at least one special
treat.
Afternoon
For some, a non-competitive day on the golf course might be the
most pleasurable thing to follow breakfast. Others may want to set out for some
retail therapy – a spot of shopping and a leisurely lunch with a good
friend. Try to leave the car at home and walk, ride a bicycle, or use public
transport.
Early evening
Resist the temptation to read the papers or watch the news on
television. In the treatment of stress, no news is good news. A key feature of
any anti-stress day is not knowing what is going on in the rest of the world
– it will carry on without you. Read a book, curl up with a video,
listen to music, or go to the cinema.
Night
Have a leisurely bath, and pamper yourself with body oils. Listen
to music while dressing slowly for a relaxed dinner in a restaurant with your
partner or a friend. Take a taxi, and do not worry about time. When you get
home, have a cup of soothing herbal tea before going to bed and drifting into
sleep.
TIP
Plan activities for each weekend. Try not to let the days just drift
past.
