This post was last updated on October 17th, 2022 at 09:46 am
Stress is unavoidable. It’s a dreadful feeling that can creep up on you when you least expect it. Stress can profoundly affect your well-being, whether it’s about something as ordinary as a looming deadline at work or something more significant like the loss of a loved one.
And when your health is in jeopardy, it’s important to take action and find healthy coping mechanisms.
Fortunately, stress management is a skill and one that can be honed. You can start by trying simple and healthy tactics to deal with stress.
Consider Therapy for Chronic Stress
Most of us don’t even realize when we’re dealing with chronic stress. It can result from a low-grade anxiety disorder or something more serious, like post-traumatic stress disorder. And before you can manage your stress, you need to identify the source.
If you find yourself constantly on edge, it might be time to seek professional help. A therapist can offer you the tools you need to manage your stress healthily. Plus, their experience working with different types of stress can be invaluable.
Why do we consider it a “simple” solution? Because all it requires is for you to reach out and ask for help.
Besides, stress can compel you to abuse drugs as a way to relieve it. However, facilities like the Palm Beach Group can help you out in this case. They offer various services, all of which are designed to help you healthily cope with drug abuse and stress.
Give Guided Imagery a Try
Your mind is a powerful tool that can be harnessed to help you cope with stress. Guided imagery is a helpful relaxation technique that involves using your imagination to picture yourself in a peaceful setting.
When feeling overwhelmed, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then, picture yourself in a serene environment, such as a quiet meadow or a calming beach.
Let your mind wander and absorb the details of your surroundings. All your senses will work together to make you feel more relaxed. To enhance your experience, you can tune into an audio recording of calming guided imagery.
Make Time for Physical Activity
It’s no secret that physical activity or exercise is beneficial for you. A quick workout can help you blow off some steam when you’re feeling stressed. But did you know that workout can also have long-term stress-busting benefits?
That’s because regular physical activity can help reduce stress hormones in your body. It can also significantly boost the production of endorphins, hormones that have mood-boosting effects.
Plus, you get to channel all that nervous energy into something productive.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed, go for a run, take a yoga class or go for a brisk walk in your area. It doesn’t matter whether you have company or not. Just getting out and moving your body will do wonders for your stress levels.
Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can do wonders for your wired-up nervous system. When you’re feeling stressed, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. It only adds to the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Deep breathing exercises can help slow down your breathing and bring much-needed calm into your life.
To try a deep breathing exercise, find a comfortable place to sit or lie. Then:
- Place a hand on your stomach and the other on your chest
- Inhale through the nose and allow your stomach to expand
- Slowly exhale through your mouth, pushing all the air from your lungs
- Repeat this pattern for 10-15 minutes, and you’ll feel more relaxed
Hug Your Loved Ones
Hugs are magical things. They have the power to instantly make you feel better, no matter what’s going on in your life. That’s because hugging triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that has stress-reducing effects. Oxytocin, the cuddle hormone, is also called the “love hormone” because it’s released when we experience positive emotions like love, happiness, and compassion. It also lowers blood pressure and norepinephrine levels, both of which are increased during times of stress.
So, if you’re feeling stressed, find someone you love and hug them. Your pets count, too.
Make Time for a Self-Pep Talk
You’re your best cheerleader, so why not give yourself a pep talk when needed? When stressed, take a few minutes to sit down and think about everything you’re doing well. Write them down if it helps.
Remember, you’re not perfect, and that’s okay. None of us is. Keep motivating yourself and encouraging yourself that you can do it. These positive affirmations will help increase your self-confidence and reduce stress.
Take a Relaxing Bath
There’s nothing like a hot bath to help you unwind and relax after a long day. The combination of warm water and soothing aromatherapy will help ease your stress.
Add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathtub to maximize the relaxation effects. Lavender is well-known for its calming and anxiety-reducing properties. You can also add a cup of Epsom salt to your bathtub to help reduce muscle tension. Some other great options are chamomile and ylang-ylang oil. Try pairing your bath with soft music and candles to boost the effects.
Create Artwork
Doodling, painting, or coloring in a coloring book can be extremely therapeutic. It can help take your mind off whatever is stressing you and allow you to focus on the present moment.
Plus, creating artwork can be a great way to express yourself and release all the pent-up emotions.
Suppose you don’t have a coloring book, art pad, or crayons – no worries. Google “printable coloring pages for adults,” and you’ll find many free options.
Go Shopping
No, this isn’t a cop-out to spend all your money. But going window shopping or browsing through stores can help divert your attention from whatever is stressing you out.
If you’re stressed, try going to a mall with a friend or family member. That way, you can catch up with them while browsing and get some much-needed social interaction.
Buy what you like and end your day with a scoop of your favorite ice cream – this will surely work.
Conclusion
There exists no individual in this world who doesn’t experience stress. It’s a normal and natural part of life. But that doesn’t mean stress can take over your life. While you can’t control how your life unfolds, you can certainly control how you react to it.
By using the simple and healthy coping mechanisms listed above, you can regain control of your life and reduce stress. You got this.
