Stress Management Tips

If you’re the kind of person that deals with high stress levels on a daily basis, the best thing you can do for yourself is to find ways to release that stress. Stress can take a huge toll on you mentally and physically, so it’s very important that you manage it in a healthy way. Below I have included some tips on how to manage and de-stress, so life can be just a bit easier.

Before we get into the tips, I think

the first crucial step into de-stressing is identifying the source of your stress. 

You must examine your attitude, thought process, daily habits, and excuses.

Such as:

·         Describing your stress as a temporary situation (“Sorry I just have a lot going on right now”).

·         Labeling your stress as part of your work/home life (“It’s always loud at my house”).

·         Labeling your stress as a part of your personality (“I just have bad anxiety”).

·         Do you find yourself pinning all your stress on other people or external events? Or do you view it as a normal thing?

Your stress levels will remain out of your control, unless you accept the role you play in creating and maintaining it.

Tip #1

Start writing in a stress journal:

 A stress journal can help you examine all the regular stressors in your life and how you want to deal with them. Whenever you find yourself in a stressful situation, keep track of it in your journal. If you create a daily log, you can identify your stress patterns.

Write down:

·         What is causing your stress?

·         How you feel physically and emotionally?

·         How did you respond and react to the person or situation?  

·         What did you do to make yourself feel better?

Tip #2

The four A’s: Avoid, Alter, Adapt, & Accept

Avoid unnecessary stress. Stress is like getting a splinter stuck on your thumb, the longer you wait to deal with it, the worse it gets. So, take it upon yourself to eliminate the number of stressors in your life.

·         It’s okay to say “no.” Know your limits and to stick to them. Don’t take on more than you can handle.

·         Avoid people who do nothing but cause you stress. If you that this happens consistently, limit the amount of time you spend with them or end the relationship.

·         Take control of your surroundings. Whether it be running into your ex, getting stuck in traffic, or shopping in a crowded store, find alternatives for yourself.

·         Shorten your to-do list. Review your daily schedule and responsibilities. Try not to have too much on your plate. You can place tasks that aren’t of most importance at the bottom of the list, or just eliminate it.

Alter the situation. If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, you can try changing it.

·         Don’t bottle up your emotions. If someone or something is bothering you, communicate those concerns in a respectful manner. By not voicing your feelings, resentment can build and your stress can increase.

·         Be accepting towards a compromise. If you ask someone to change their behavior, you must be willing to o the same. You’ll be able to find a happy middle ground.

·         Make a balanced schedule. You don’t want to burn yourself out. Work hard so you can play harder. Find a balance between your work, family, and social life.

Adapt to your stressor. By adapting to stressful situations, you can regain your sense of control.

·         Reframe the issue. Try to view your stressful situation as a positive. Rather than being upset in your car due to a traffic jam, take this as an opportunity to listen to your favorite song or album.

·         Look at the big picture. Find perspective of the stressful situation. Ask yourself how important will it be in the long run? Is it worth getting upset over?

·         Practice gratitude. Take the time to reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life. This can help you keep things in perspective.

Accept things you can’t change. Some stressors are unavoidable. You can’t prevent/change stressors such as death of a loved one or illness. Though easier said than done, you must take a deep breath and accept things as they are.

·         You can’t control the uncontrollable. Rather than stressing over something that is out of your reach, focus on things you can control, such as the way you choose to handle the situation.

·         Look at the upside. When facing challenges, look for an opportunity for personal growth. It’s important to reflect and learn from your mistakes.

·         Learn to forgive. Let go of anger and grudges. By forgiving and moving on, you are choosing to free yourself from negative energy.

Tip #3

Make it a priority to take time for yourself. 

Along with a positive attitude, you can reduce your stress by setting aside some “me” time. This will allow you to handle life’s stressors with a clear mind.

·         Set aside leisure time. Implement rest and relaxation into your daily routine.

·         Do something you love every day. Make time for activities, hobbies, or interests that you enjoy.

·         Keep your sense of humor. Don’t take life too seriously. Life is more enjoyable this way.

Tip #4

Learn to relieve stress in the moment. 

Quick stress relief can help you manage stress levels. You can reduce stress in an instant by taking a deep breath and using your senses, what you see hear, taste, and touch.

You can:

·         Keep your favorite photo in your wallet

·         Smelling a specific scent

·         Hugging a pet

·         Using aromatherapy, scents such as mint, rose, lavender, vanilla etc. (My personal favorite is lavender hand lotion. I rub it between my palms and take 3 deep breaths, my mind clears instantly)

The foundation of managing stress is the simple realization that you’re in control of your life. Remember that there are steps you can take to relieve pressure and regain control, for whatever curveballs life throws at you. Of course, not everyone handles stress the same way. It’s important to take the time to find what tools best work for you.