Strategies to Deal With Family Stress

Posted on April 5, 2008 in Tips for A Husband, Tips for A Wife

Family stress refers to the tension that arises from pressures or demands that call for a family to change. These periods are marked by uncertainty and anxiety.

Research has shown that the following characteristics help families cope with stress: support from friends, relatives, neighbors, and others in the community; a positive outlook or long-range view that things will get better; and a way to work together to overcome difficulties.

To be prepared to deal with stress and crisis, the following strategies may be useful:

  1. Keep a perspective on things. You are not alone in feeling stress. Always hope that things will get better.
  2. Laughter helps reduce tension and keeps things in positive perspective. Develop and use humor.
  3. Prioritize your activities and choose carefully how to spend your time.
  4. Simplify things.
  5. Let go of worries, relax, take one day at a time. Learn relaxation techniques and get physical exercise. Spend time outdoors.
  6. Get outside yourself. Develop friendships, help others, and practice your spiritual beliefs.
  7. Stay flexible. Strong families are resilient and can adjust to many changes. Survival depends on being flexible and adjustable.
  8. In crisis, pull together, seek outside help, draw on spiritual resources, and maintain open communication.

Source: UFL

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