1
00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:07,830
The first step in managing stress is awareness starts simply by becoming curious about how you respond

2
00:00:07,830 --> 00:00:11,670
to stress, allowing the mind to open to what you're experiencing.

3
00:00:11,920 --> 00:00:14,700
For example, are you clenching your jaw?

4
00:00:14,910 --> 00:00:16,290
Is your stomach tight?

5
00:00:16,540 --> 00:00:18,970
Are you holding tension in your neck and shoulders?

6
00:00:19,260 --> 00:00:21,750
What's the quality of your breath like?

7
00:00:21,960 --> 00:00:24,750
What are your thoughts up to with the practice?

8
00:00:24,750 --> 00:00:31,560
We can charge in recognition of what stress feels like in our bodies and minds so that we can begin

9
00:00:31,560 --> 00:00:32,280
to let it go.

10
00:00:32,550 --> 00:00:36,660
Practice practicing mindfulness can help in this regard.

11
00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:40,350
Effective ways of managing stress

12
00:00:43,380 --> 00:00:52,890
in our lives include minimizing unnecessary stress, saying no to commitments when we're already overextended,

13
00:00:53,160 --> 00:00:58,170
relaxing, rigid and unrealistic standards for ourselves.

14
00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:01,530
Focusing on what's happening right in the present.

15
00:01:01,920 --> 00:01:10,110
Taking to slow is practicing meditation, getting regular exercise, doing progressive muscle relaxation,

16
00:01:10,410 --> 00:01:17,760
taking shorter breaks throughout the day, going on vacation, protecting time away from work each day

17
00:01:17,760 --> 00:01:25,350
and on the weekend, challenging unhelpful thoughts about what you should be doing, carving out time

18
00:01:25,350 --> 00:01:29,370
for yourself to do relaxing, relaxing activities you enjoy.

19
00:01:29,370 --> 00:01:30,090
Like reading.