This New Year, resolve to manage your stress, here are some tips.

Learn to recognize the signs of stress

The first step in managing stress is learning how to become aware of it in yourself. Some common physical, emotional, or behavioural symptoms of stress include:

• difficulty sleeping
• headaches
• neck or back pain or muscle tension
• stomach pain
• irritability
• anger
• depression
• mood swings
• drug or alcohol abuse
• increased use of prescription drugs

Five tips on managing stress

1. Try to identify the source of your stress. For example, if you’re worried about what your manager thinks about your performance, you could ask and find out. If your to-do list is out of control, you could review it and then block out time to tackle it.

2. For problems and challenges that can’t be handled so directly, learn techniques and practices for managing stress. Some sources of stress can’t be eliminated, such as caring for an older relative who is sick or trying to find help for a child who is having difficulty in school. To manage this kind of tension, you may need to take different steps that you can practice and master over time.

3. Learn and practice relaxation techniques. You might try deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, visualizing yourself in a peaceful place, or just sitting quietly for a few minutes each day to gather your thoughts. Many apps and audio recordings (available at bookstores, libraries, and music stores) can help with visualization.

4. Take care of yourself. Eating a healthy diet will help you find the energy you need to cope with stress. Exercising regularly can help keep stress under control. Exercise revs up your endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals in the brain that help to reduce stress. As little as 20 minutes of brisk walking can get them going. Getting enough sleep is also important.

5. Make time for family and friends. Research shows that having strong ties to others has a positive effect on your health and ability to cope with stress. Set aside time for friends and family on a regular basis.
If symptoms of stress persist or you are having trouble coping with the stress in your life, contact your employee assistance program (EAP) or talk with your doctor. A professional can offer resources and support.