With school beginning and fall activities on the horizon, Dan Phifer, Ph.D., of the Mental Health Association of Fayette County has some suggestions for handling the stress.

Everyone experiences some tension and anxiety — that pent-up feeling. A certain amount of tension is good and keeps us alert, but too much causes us to slide to the end of our rope. Try the following tips to boost you to the top again:

• Talk it out.

Talking with a level headed person you can trust often helps you to understand yourself and find a solution to your problem or situation.

• Get away for a while.

Changing surroundings allows you to see the problem from a different angle.

• Take one step at a time.

Taking the problem step by step removes the feeling of being trapped, the worst part of tensions, and proves it can be done.

• Work off anger.

Pitch into exercise or hobbies.

• Give in occasionally.

Admit that you can be wrong.

• Give yourself a pat on the back for the things you do well.

• Go easy with criticism.

Recognizing others' virtues helps you see your own.

• Take it easy.

You can't win them all. Learn to give up lesser goals for your peace of mind.

• Tell someone you care.

• Be able to laugh at yourself.

Mental health, like physical health, can be improved by good habits, environment and relationships. The Mental Health Association of Fayette County is working for mental wellness. See what you can do through joining and volunteering. Call them at 770-461-2988.

Back to the Healthwise Home Page Back to the Top of the Page