Practical Psychology is a weekly newspaper column I have been writing for over 20 years. It is designed to address psychological topics that are most useful to its readers. Please feel free to re-print any of them in any form you wish. I ask only that you give the information about how to subscribe and credit for authorship. Thanks.

COPING CREATIVELY WITH YOUR STRESS
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

A few weeks ago, I wrote in this column that 85% of the illnesses for which we seek medical attention are "stress-related." Today, I want to address the issue of coping creatively with the stress in your life. Below are a few suggestions.

1. Work off stress. If you are angry or upset, blow off the energy created by your stress response by engaging in strenuous physical activity. Run, exercise, play tennis, take a brisk walk. Physical activity allows you a "fight" outlet for mental stress.

2. Talk out your worries. It helps to share worries with someone you trust and respect. This may be a friend, family member, clergyman, teacher, or counselor. Sometimes another person can help you see a new side of your perceived problem and thus, a new solution. If you find yourself becoming preoccupied with emotional problems, it would be wise to seek a professional listener, like a life coach or psychologist. Seeking help is not admitting defeat. It is admitting you are an intelligent human being who knows when to ask for assistance.

3. Learn to accept what you cannot change. If the problem is beyond your influence or control at this time, acknowledge your helplessness and accept the fact that you have no power to change the situation.

4. Avoid self-medication. Although there are many chemicals, including alcohol, that can mask the symptoms of stress, they do not help you adjust to the stress itself. Many are habit forming, so the decision to use them belongs to your qualified health care provider. Drugging yourself is a form of a "flight" reaction that can cause more stress than it solves. The ability to handle stress creatively comes from within you, not from outside your skin.

5. Get enough sleep and rest. Lack of sleep can lessen your ability to deal with stress by making you more irritable, more forgetful and feel more helpless. Most people need at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day (or night).

6. Balance work and recreation. "All work and no play can make Jack (or Jill) a nervous wreck." Schedule time for recreation and relaxation. Take a 5-minute mental break from focused mental activity. Regularly practice abdominal breathing, meditation and peaceful imagery.

7. Do something for others. When you are distressed, you concentrate too much on yourself and your situation. When this happens, it is wise to do something for someone else and get your mind off you. There is an extra bonus in this technique...it helps make (or strengthen) friendships.

8. Take one thing at a time. It is defeating to tackle all your tasks at once. Instead, set some aside and work only on the most urgent. Remember the old saying, "You eat an elephant one bite at a time."

9. Give in once in awhile. If you find the source of your stress is other peoples' behavior, try giving in instead of fighting and insisting you are always right. You may find that others will begin to give in too.

10. Make yourself available. When you are bored and feel left out, go where the action is. Sitting alone will just make you more frustrated and stressed. Instead of withdrawing and feeling sorry for yourself, get involved. There are hundreds of non-profit organizations that need volunteers.

Recognizing stress as an ongoing part of your life may well be the first step in creatively managing it. Turn your stress into a positive force and let it make your life much more interesting.

Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and Licensed Psychologist. He is available for coaching in any area presented in "Practical Psychology." Initial coaching sessions are free. Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or E-mail: DrLloyd@CreatingLeaders.com or LJTDAT@aol.com.

Dr. Thomas also serves on the faculty of the Institute For Life Coach Training and the International University of Professional Studies. He recently co-authored (with Patrick Williams) the book: *Total Life Coaching: 50+ Life Lessons, Skills and Techniques for Enhancing Your Practice*and Your Life!* (W.W. Norton 2005) available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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