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header image - Turn Back Your Body Clock

Living life better: How to live longer



Coping skills

Good coping skills:
  • Maintaining a good sense of humour

  • Taking 'time out'

  • Taking exercise

  • Time management

  • Having a good moan

  • Talking to friends and colleagues

  • Planning your day

  • Using relaxation techniques

  • Having a positive mental attitude

  • Maintaining your confidence.

  • Remaining flexible.

  • Taking food and drink breaks.

  • Asking for help

  • Being able to just say 'NO!'

  • Guilt-free delegation.

  • Having a visual distraction.




  • Bad coping skills:
  • Alcohol (in excess).

  • Swearing (in excess).

  • Smoking.
  • Not taking time out after a stressful encounter. Poor communication.
  • Self-blame after a stressful encounter.

  • Not empathising with the other person's point if view.

  • Taking it out on others.

  • Letting things build up.

  • Overworking and taking things home.

  • Indiscretion - having an affair, stealing.

  • Doing everything yourself.

  • Denying you have a problem.



  • Relaxation

    This is an effective weapon against stress. It repairs the damage of a stress overload and gives you a feeling of being in control. But total relaxation is more than just putting your feet up. You need to switch off and wind down.

    Deep Breathing
    Sit or stand in a quiet room. Take ten deep, slow breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.

    Relax your muscles
    When stressed you may tense muscles in the neck, jaw and shoulders. Consciously relax your muscles.

    Visualisation
    Close your eyes and bring to mind a place that holds happy memories. Visualise it and watch the scene unfold with sounds and smells.

    Yoga or meditation
    Find a yoga class or learn meditation techniques.



    Is your glass half empty or half full?

    If your answer is 'half empty' then try to cultivate some optimism. Optimists tend to be healthier, have more vitality, make more friends and live longer.

  • Smile when you meet someone.

  • or just relax for ten minutes every day.

  • Call a friend.

  • Take a walk.

  • Go out for lunch.

  • Laugh out loud at a funny film or book.

  • Do something you enjoy very day.



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