Stress Relief: Prioritize

Stress can be triggered by a variety of things including a big workload, family issues and even the weather. A good way to keep your stress level down

Stress can be triggered by a variety of things including a big workload, family issues and even the weather. A good way to keep your stress level down is to prioritize. In this video, Dr. Keri Peterson explains how laying out a plan and putting the most important things first, you will ease your mind of stress and anxiety.

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This video features Keri Peterson, MD. Dr. Keri Peterson specializes in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and is board certified in internal medicine. She holds appointments at Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Duration: 2:12. Last Updated On: Nov. 8, 2017, 6:14 p.m.

Reviewed by: Holly Atkinson, MD, Preeti Parikh, MD . Review date: March 25, 2017

00:00 [MUSIC]
00:07 Stress can be caused by any number of situations, illness, career and
00:10 family pressure, and even the weather can stress people out.
00:14 So, when you're over scheduled, or have competing demands at work and
00:17 home, it helps to prioritize.
00:19 Creating a list of priorities from the most important to least important can help
00:23 you take charge of your schedule.
00:25 It's very easy to say, but not always easy to do.
00:28 So, stick with me here.
00:29 First, take a step away from your work, and try looking at the bigger picture.
00:34 Can you separate out the big stuff from the little stuff?
00:37 Next, make a list.
00:39 Take all the big stuff and put that at the top of the list.
00:41 These are the most important tasks.
00:44 Continue the list until you've got all your activities listed.
00:47 Now, get to work on that list.
00:49 And here's the best part.
00:51 Cross off each item as you finish.
00:53 It's a great visual reminder that you're getting things done.
00:57 That all sounds easy, and the list part is.
01:00 But, the hard part is actually getting your work and
01:02 activities done, so don't overextend yourself.
01:05 Now, that you have your list, you can see how much of your time will be occupied.
01:09 You'll have to practice smart time management.
01:12 Learn to say no to some commitments, or
01:14 choose an activity to drop before picking up a new one.
01:18 Develop a plan.
01:19 If you're stressed about an upcoming deadline or
01:21 project, this can be a big help.
01:23 Take a few minutes to create a set of steps and
01:25 goals to help get you to the finish line.
01:28 Don't be afraid to delegate tasks, or ask for help.
01:31 Ask your spouse to pick up the kids from soccer practice, or
01:33 dance class, and co-workers can pitch in on big projects.
01:38 Give yourself extra time, budget in an extra half hour to finish projects,
01:42 that way you won't be rushed to get it done, and you may even finish early.
01:47 You can also try this with your commute,
01:49 especially since traffic is one of those you can't control it type stressors.
01:53 Believe me, taking the time to put your schedule on paper will help.
01:56 You'll see what needs urgent attention, and what can wait til later.
02:01 And, that feeling of being in charge will help reduce that overwhelming sensation.