What To Do About Stress: The Thirty-One Point Plan (Updated)

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Category (key words): Self Help, Personal Growth,nstress, stress management
Web Sites: http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html and http://www.craiglockbooks.com
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles.htmln(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, words of inspiration, "spiritual, spiritual writings" (how "airey-fairey"), and money management - how boring now, Craig!)

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If through sharing, it helps any others in the nmagical jou
ey that is life, then I'm very happy.

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow".

"If you have knowledge, let others light a candle nto it." n- Margaret Fuller n *
WHAT TO DO ABOUT STRESS: "The Thirty-One Point Plan" n(Updated)

Introduction:
Craig Lock has written extensively on the subject nof stress management, as well as in the field of self nhelp. We think this extract is from his first published book
HANDBOOK TO SURVIVE - a collection of writings non various subjects to help every man or woman nsurvive in a rapidly changing, uncertain world. n(Well it was written such a long time ago!)n *
WHAT TO DO ABOUT STRESS:

The "Thirty Point Plan" for the "small and big business person"... nand everyone else.

Stress occurs when tension rises, as a person has difficulty in adapting nto extraordinary circumstances in life and has conce
s in meeting their personal expectations. So we ALL get stressed at certain times in our lives.
The key is managing stress effectively. Hope these tips may be helpful...

1. Be positive - see problems as challenges and perhaps even OPPORTUNITIES.
Have goals and visions.
N.B: Have a positive mental attitude.

2. Play sports and step up your exercise. n Activity takes your mind off your problems.

3. Talk things over with someone.

4. Determine what causes you stress and try to neliminate it.

5. Become physically fit.

6. Balance work, home/family and recreation.

7. Enjoy your play and relaxation - it is precious time!

8. Get adequate sleep and rest.

9. Allow yourself some relaxation and meditation ntime every day.

10. Learn relaxation techniques and systematic ways nto relax.

11. Give yourself time to think.

12. Know your limits and your symptoms of stress... nand how to relieve them. Learn to say 'no' to others' nexcessive demands on you. Don't say "yes" when you nmean "no".

13. "Coast" if necessary.

14. Worry only about that which can be changed nby you. I like the quotation which goes like this
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I ncannot change; courage to change the things I can; nand wisdom to know the difference." n(I often do not follow this rule, trying to "force things".)
So simply...do your very best, then just...
"Let go, let God, let good."

15. Use your imagination to reduce your stress nlevels. Be creative.

16. Learn to switch off thinking about work when nyou get home.

17. Think about your diet and eat nutritious food.

18. Learn to plan your time better.

19. Learn to recognize and to accept your limitations nas well as the limitations (and faults) of others.

20. Learn to have FUN. You must be able to enjoy nyour work.

21. Learn to praise others and be positive.

22. Learn to tolerate and to forgive.

23. Learn to avoid unnecessary competition. You ndon't have to be the best at everything.

24. Learn to confide in others.

25. Learn to accept what can't be changed in nothers, i.e., personality or decisions.

26. Learn to accept that some things aren't as nimportant to others as they are to you.

27. Learn to delegate - don't try to do everything nyourself.

28. Learn to recognize stress. Do not become so naccustomed to feeling stress that it becomes a nnormal part of your life.

29. Don't let your enemies, or those who thwart you, rent space inside your nhead (thanks, Nancy)!

30. Have trust in other people.

No matter how stressful or hopeless your situation may appear to be... nsay "this too shall pass". Hardship, trials and the severest tribulations develop inner strength and character. Like the seasons change, neverything changes...as life is a series of cycles - a time of sowingnand a time of reaping.

And finally,

Because God, the Ultimate Source is with you and in you.

31. NEVER GIVE UP HOPE. ALWAYS have GREAT
FAITH IN YOURSELF AND ESPECIALLY IN GOD, nour Creator, or whatever YOU understand God to nbe: The Universe, the Ultimate Source, Life, Great
Spirit, your Higher Self ... that things will eventually nwork out for you. Just know that there is a "special" nplan and purpose for your life. Perhaps it is to do ngood deeds by helping others... and in so doing you nhelp yourself most.

In seeking it, you will make the most of your unique npotential and gifts and fulfill your unique Divine
Destiny.

All the best in MANAGING your stress levels.

Good luck *

Craig Lock ("Information and Inspiration Distributer") nn* luck, as 'they' say, is where preparedness meets opportunity

"Do not fret about today, because tomorrow will have enough cares of its own." (or something like that!)n- the Biblen...and everything turns out OK in the end, doesn't it?

About the author:
Craig believes in sharing information and insights to make a difference in nthis world: to help and especially encourage people along life's magical njou
ey ... and that brings him the greatest joy.nhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html and http://www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books that Craig 'felt inspired to write' (including 'Handbook to Survive' ) are available at: www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www2.webng.com/write
z/books.html nor contact Craig at clock@paradise.net.nzn
Uplifting, encouraging and empowering people through the power of words and thought energy. Change YOUR world and you change THE world."

END OF PART ONE

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

"We make a living by what we get...but we make a life by what we give."n- Norman MacEwan n