The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Whether it’s work deadlines, relationship issues, childcare concerns, or financial pressures, the demands of modern life can damage our mental and physical health. While it may seem like stress is an inevitable part of life, with the right strategies, that may not be the case.
In this article, we’ll explore six strategies for tackling stressful times and navigating life’s challenges.
Understanding Stress
Stress is the body’s natural response to perceived threats. While some stress can be helpful, excessive or chronic stress can have negative effects on our overall well-being. Common sources of stress include:
- Work pressures
- Relationship conflicts
- Family drama
- Financial worries
- Raising children
- Health issues
- Major life changes
- And more
Regardless of the root of your stress, there are several tried-and-true strategies for tackling and overcoming it. Here are six of them.
Strategy 1: Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness involves bringing your attention to the present moment without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Try incorporating mindfulness exercises into your routine, such as breathing exercises or body scans. Meditation can be another powerful tool for stress relief as it can help to quiet the mind and create a sense of inner peace.
Strategy 2: Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular exercise is one method to reduce stress and improve mood. Physical activity can release endorphins, reduce cortisol, improve sleep, improve cognitive function, and more. As a result, regular movement can help alleviate tension, anxiety, and stress. Aim for around half an hour of moderate exercise most days of the week. Whether it’s walking, jogging, cycling, or yoga, try to find an activity you enjoy and work to make it a regular part of your routine.
Strategy 3: Time Management and Prioritization
Often, stress arises when you have too much on your plate. Maybe you say “yes” to too many things or simply have too many things to do. Effective time management can help you stay focused and organized. As a result, effectively managing your time can significantly reduce stress levels. To work on your time management skills, start by identifying your priorities and breaking tasks down into manageable steps. You can use things like calendars, to-do lists, and different time-blocking techniques to allocate your time. Try to delegate tasks when you can and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given timeframe.
Strategy 4: Social Support and Connection
Having strong social connections can be incredibly helpful for managing stress and building resilience. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, try reaching out to friends and family for support. No matter how much you have going on, try saving time for meaningful interactions. If you don’t have a lot of opportunities for social connection or lack close relationships, consider joining clubs, groups, or community organizations to build meaningful connections.
Strategy 5: Healthy Lifestyle Habits
A healthy lifestyle can aid in lowering stress and promoting overall well-being. Some healthy habits to incorporate include:
- Eating a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Limiting your consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeine.
- Getting enough sleep– at least seven hours of quality sleep each night
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
- Limiting screen time
Take a look at your life and see if you can find any healthy habits to add.
Strategy 6: Seeking Professional Help
Sometimes, stress becomes too difficult to manage on your own. In these times, seeking professional help from a therapist can be helpful. If you’ve never received counseling, you may wonder why do people go to therapy for stress? When would it be appropriate to seek treatment for stress-related concerns? And the answer is simple. If you would like support developing coping strategies or insight into your stressors, or if you’d just like a safe space to talk freely about your stress, therapy may be appropriate. There’s no shame in asking for help. Therapy can provide valuable support during times of high stress.
Takeaway
Coping with stress often requires dedication and effort. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you may be able to manage stress more effectively. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, and remember to seek help when you need it. With the right tools and support, it’s possible to navigate stressful times and come out the other side stronger than before.