Stress is a common denominator in life. We all go through it in different capacities and for different reasons. The way you respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being. In severe cases, stress leads to depression which may push someone to commit suicide. Since this is not the best way to handle pressure, it is important to learn how to manage stress.
Here are more posts you might want to read,too:
- How To Be The Most Confident Person in The World.
- How To Build The Best Self Care Routine That Sticks.
- 13 Self Care Night Routine Things To Do Before Bed.
- 7 Healthy Self Care Habits To Do Every Morning.
- 11 Things You Should Never Apologize For
- How To Journal For mental Health.
- 13 Benefits of Journaling Daily.
What is stress?
Stress is any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological tension. It is a normal human reaction. In fact, the human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action. Sometimes, stress is not a bad thing.There are different types of stress that one can experience. They include:
- Acute Stress. This is a short-term type of stress that
- Chronic stress. This is a long term type of stress that seems never-ending which is a
- Episodic acute stress.This
There are many different things in life that can cause stress. Some examples are:
- Traumatic events
- Problems at work
- Relationship issues
- Loss of a loved one
- Unemployment
- Day-to-day inconveniences
- Parenting
- Losing your job
What are the signs that you are stressed?
Some common sign of stress include:
- Physical aches and pains
- Racing heartbeat
- Trembling
- Poor sleep pattern
- Headaches
- Low energy
- Muscle tension
- Dizziness
- Feeling anxious
- Frequent sickness
- Grinding teeth
- Changes in mood
- Clammy or sweaty palms
- Decreased sex drive
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Digestive problem
Now that we have a good basis of what stress is, we ought to discuss how we can manage stress.
Stress Management Tips
1. Relax
When was the last time you took a break from your problems? Maybe it was long ago but here is the thing;You need it. Of course, your problems will not end when you take a break but you will have a better perspective on what to do.
I don’t mean that you abandon your responsibility in the name of taking a break. My point is, relax and take one step at a time. When you feel overwhelmed, taking deep breaths can be relaxing.
Here is how you can take deep breaths to help you relax:
- Close your eyes.
- Breathe in through your nose for 5 seconds. Make sure that your abdomen moves up while doing it.
- Breathe out through your mouth for 5 seconds.
- Focus on the temperature of the air that you are breathing in and out.
- Repeat till your head feels clear.
2. You are stressing yourself.
The truth hurts but you are mainly the cause of stress. Why? You know what you are supposed to do to get your life going but you still choose to do the opposite.A test is coming up and you are supposed to prepare for it. Instead of doing that, you choose not to study. The test comes and you fail. You then get stressed out trying to cope with the aftermath.
Our decisions affect the problems that we experience. Every choice you make has two outcomes. It either makes you better or bitter. Making better decisions prevents you from stressing yourself out. For instance, you can choose to study for a test to prevent failure.In instances where you overthink or overreact, you need to follow step number one. We all know when we are stressing ourselves. Take active steps to manage it.
3. Improve yourself
Do you know that bettering yourself is a great way of making you happy? When you complete reading a book or taking a course, you feel like you are at the top of the world. Overcoming negative emotions or habits is so fulfilling. For instance, if you have been struggling to wake up early, then you finally start to, you can’t help but feel euphoric. Happiness is the antidote for stress.
4. Clean and organize
Am I the only one who has a messy room when I am stressed out? It’s like your mental state is reflected on your external surroundings. Your inner world is a reflection of your outer world. That’s why you get so messy when you are not fine.
Cleaning your mess is a great way to manage stress. You feel better after cleaning the dishes or doing laundry. I know that you don’t like cleaning and organizing but the relief you get after seeing your space clean is fulfilling. The benefits outward the undesirable feelings.It is a precursor to cleaning and organizing your mind. You can’t come up with ways of solving your problems in a dirty place. Besides, how do sane people cope in a dirty environment? It doesn’t make sense.
5. Physical activity helps relieve stress
Research shows that physical exercise also gives euphoric feelings. It triggers a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. The feeling is known as a “runners high,” which is accompanied by a positive and energized outlook on life. Taking a walk, especially around nature, is therapeutic.
Looking at the weird shape of trees and listening to the chirping of birds has a way of turning pain into peace. The fresh air clears your head and helps you have a better perspective on life. You can spice up your walk by having a close friend or a dog. In situations where someone is depressed, having company while walking helps you express your feelings to them. A problem shared is half solved.
Physical activity is not limited to walking. You can;
- Swim
- Cycle
- Jog
- Hike
- Farm
I encourage doing these activities outside in nature. It spices up the healing process.
6. Check your diet
Stress eating is a common thing. Often the food is junk which rarely helps in relieving stress. During stressful situations try your best to stick to a healthy diet.
- Take at least eight glasses of water.
- If possible, avoid eating animal products.
- Avoid skipping meals
Overeating occurs when one is facing difficult situations. We don’t want you putting your weight on stake.Besides, eating foods that you enjoy is heaven especially if you prepared the meal yourself.
7. Lend a helping hand
Helping someone is the most selfish thing you can do because you are helping yourself. It brightens your life just knowing that you have put a smile on another person’s face.It not only makes you happy but also helps you appreciate your life. Maybe the things that are stressing you out are what most people desire to have.
Put your adult sleeves on and go out of your way and help someone. Such situations help you create bonds and friendships that you never thought they could exist.As a bonus, you can do these activities with the people you love. I don’t know what’s better than spending your day with a loved one around lovely people.
8. Check out motivation quotes or videos
Don’t you just have videos you love listening to from your favorite role models? The advice is timely and life changing. It leaves you feeling like you can conquer the world over and over again. Go check out those videos.Sometimes, looking at memorable videos or photos can do more healing than checking into a psychologist’s office. Quotes are nice too.Waking up to a motivation quote can give you more energy than you can imagine.
9. Watch comedies
Include memes in this category. We often underestimate the power of funny videos and memes. They make you laugh, leaving you relaxed and happy.If you are having a bad day just watch a familiar comedy and laugh your heart out. You feel better before sleeping. It will not take away your problems but it will definitely help you feel better.
But you need to be careful while applying this advice. Don’t waste your day watching videos and you have a life to run. Manage your time wisely.
10. Change your morning routine
How you start your day determines how your day will be. Are you familiar with the habit of waking up and immediately picking your phone to scroll on social media?
It’s like allowing thousands of people to have access to you immediately after a rejuvenating sleep. We often expose ourselves to negative energy, draining all that we could use to make our day better.
That’s why we have unhappy people in the morning ruining other people’s day. Remember that unhappy people hurt others. If you have to use your phone after waking up, try to only check positive things. It will prevent you from having a bad morning. Instead you can choose to:
- Meditate
- Read
- Exercise
- Practice affirmations
- Write in your journal
After you have completed these activities, you can then go out and conquer the world.
Don’t miss a thing!
Follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest. Or why not subscribe to Kamencu Nelly newsletter and get personal development, mental health and lifestyle tips straight to your inbox every week?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, I would appreciate it if you share it with your friends and family.
Pin this post to read later!
Gal this blog nailed it all I will share with my friend who is passing through tough times now.. Am also helped out.. Thanks a million ther is power in writing.