Creative Stress Management

Robert Epstein has been interested in Stress Management for many years. He published the result of his most recent research in Scientific American Mind, September/October 2011. This article caught my interest so I am sharing it here with you.

Dr. Epstein says that most of us do not learn skills to manage stress. He finds there are 4 areas of competency in stress management:

1. Mangement of the source of stress

2. Practice of relaxation techniques

3. Management of thoughts

4. Preventing stress from occuring.

What was of particular interst to me is that relaxation, meditation and yoga are very good for stress management, but, prevention is even better. Therefore, of the four areas of competency, number 4 is the most important: Prevent stress from occuring.

Prevent Stress from Occuring

This means take the time to figure out what causes stress in your life and take steps to change.

For me this means simple things like: obey the speed limit and stop at all stop signs; get to the office early so I can be relaxed and ready; stay organized; meditate every day; walk outside and look at the sky.

So, what would it be for you?