Stress: How to Deal with It!

Picture yourself sitting in traffic. You watch as the minutes roll by, and soon it's 8.05 o'clock. You are late for an important meeting. You sit impatiently tapping on your thigh, debating the distance to your destination and whether you can make it on foot.

Your body's anxiety levels rise. You become impatient, your heart rate increases, and you are overwhelmed by immense tension. While this situation is an immediate cause of stress, some undergo stressful situations daily. I am talking about constant feelings of pressure, anxiety, anger, frustration, or nervous breakdowns. 

You can experience stress in short bursts or it can be chronic which takes a toll on your body. 

In this post, I give you helpful tips on how to manage stress. And if you're struggling with self-discipline, here's how to start. 

But First, 

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural reaction to a situation. Both mentally and physically, you feel threatened or anxious about life's experiences. 

Stress sources range from everyday responsibilities like work and family to a severe life-threatening diagnosis. Work-related stress ranks on top of stress sources, according to surveys. While pressure can give you the motivation you need for a promotion, chronic stress can leave you without a job. 

Signs of Stress

Some of these signs need medical help to manage stress.

·       Regular, severe headaches

·       Frequent body aches and pains 

·       Prolonged periods of trouble sleeping 

·       Muscle tension/jaw clenching

·       Chest pain 

·       Fatigue

·       High blood pressure 

·       Unexplained weight gain or loss

·       A loss of interest in activities 

·       Constant anger and irritability 

·       Constant worrying 

·       Obsessive thinking

·       Excessive drug use 

·       Inability to concentrate 

Before you can manage stress, you must identify the causes of stress in your life. 

Pinpointing the source of stress is the first step to dealing with it. 

While work-related stress is a significant source of stress, these life experiences greatly impact chronic stress.

·       Divorce 

·       Death of a loved one 

·       Traumatic events like an accident, rape, theft, physical violence against you

·       Loss of a job

·       Increased financial obligations and many others 

Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress

Talk to a Doctor, Psychologist, or Counselor 

Stress is the number one cause of depression. If you feel like your situation is too much to handle, talk to a health practitioner. It's important to trust one other person with your problems. This way, they can help you have the courage to take the necessary steps towards managing stress. 

Take a Break

Are you overwhelmed by things? Take a break. Even better, take a walk. Clear your thoughts in the outdoors and reenergize. If you are experiencing parental stress, you can always take a break. Ask for advice from other parents, your parents, siblings, etc. And take a break while doing so.

Try Relaxation Activities 

There's a reason why yoga and meditation improve a person's mental wellbeing. Mindful breathing can help to give you mental clarity. If your stress levels are alarming, a few minutes of yoga and meditation can relieve your stress patterns and bring awareness to your body. 

If yoga is too much to ask, Meditate. There are meditation apps like Headspace and Calm that come with coaches to help you do it right. My favorite is Headspace. In moments when I can't concentrate, Headspace helps me clear my mind and increase my concentration. 

Stay Positive 

Live life like an optimist. Always look on the bright side of things. Practice gratitude and focus on finding solutions instead of the negatives of a situation. 

Connect with Other People

They say no man is an island. That's why you should connect with people who make you feel happy. People who keep you calm and give you emotional support. Surround yourself with family, friends, church, and neighbors.

You Can't Control Everything 

Accept that there are things you can't control. If you can't change a situation, worrying about it will only add to the stress you may be experiencing from other sources. 

Start a Stress Journal 

Penning your thoughts is perhaps the easiest way to deal with stress. A journal helps you to connect with your feelings. It allows you to be vulnerable because you now have an avenue to release the tension. When you write about your situation, you feel better physically and emotionally. 

Learn to Say No

No is a powerful word. It allows you to concentrate on the essential things. When you say No, you give yourself room to breathe. Your schedule will not be overcrowded, meaning you will have a little me-time to connect with yourself. 

Finally, BE STILL. When was the last time you listened to yourself breathe? When was the last time you felt the breeze over your shoulders? It's time you remembered that there's a whole other world to live in. 

Have FAITH! BELIEVE that good things are happening to you.