There have been a number of issues in my own life which have caused me to lose confidence, become stressed and even depressed. These include:

A lack of true friends

I have had problems with debt

A stuttering speech impediment

A bald patch

I have had problems controlling my weight

I was often paranoid about what other people thought of me

These issues have caused me many sleepless nights. I would be unable to get to sleep as I was unable to relax. This was due to constantly worrying and thinking about my problems.

It was then that I decided that enough was enough - I could no longer continue to live life in this way. I started by reading books about the best ways to reduce stress and about how to gain in confidence. After a long time, I believed that I had some tools and techniques which would help me.

Stress management techniques

Stop thinking so much

I am what people call a thinker. I have to admit that in the past I have thought far too much about various things/problems. This would not be a problem if I was thinking in a positive way but of course I was a negative thinker.

To help me in this quest to stop thinking, I decided to start listening to more music. Whenever I hit a negative thought process, I would play this music. This could be when I am in the car, when I am in the house and even when I am in bed.

The music helps to take my mind off the issues that I was stressing about.

Quit smoking and start exercising instead

Many people decide to smoke a cigarette when they are stressed. I believe that a far healthier and cheaper option is to exercise.

I will do a few weights and a few press ups which helps me to let off some steam. It also helps me to fight my anger and fears.

Learning to relax

Relaxation was something I found very hard to do; especially due to having a very busy career as an SEO consultant, I also offer gender selection services on a part-time basis.

I have now started various forms of alternative therapy such as tai chi, meditation and reflexology. These are superb at helping people to relax and also help to reduce levels of stress.