Coping with stress is a crucial life skill that will help you manage crises at work and in your personal life. Though stressful situations can be draining and frustrating, learning a few key coping mechanisms will help you through difficult times.
The first step to manage stress is to learn to recognize when you're feeling stressed. Early warning signs of stress include tension in your shoulders and neck, or clenching your hands into fists.
The next step is to choose a way to deal with your stress. One way is to avoid the event or thing that leads to your stress- but often this is not possible. A second way is to change how you react to stress. This is often the best way.
Tips for dealing with stress:
a. Train yourself to minimize negative thinking and prioritize tasks so you aren't stressing about the small stuff.
b. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation to reduce stress.
Use humor to lighten difficult situations.
c. Do not bury your emotions. This is a temporary fix at best. Unresolved emotions can resurface as nightmares or physical illness.
d. Scented candles, soft music and a hot bath are great ways to relax after a hard day.
e. Meditation or biofeedback training can be an excellent way to control your body's response to stress.
f. Talk with a trusted friend, family member or counselor.
g. Eat well-balanced meals and get enough sleep.
h. Participate in something you don't find stressful, such as sports, social events or hobbies.
i. Exercise is a good way to deal with stress because it's a healthy way to relieve your pent-up energy and tension. It also helps you get in better shape, which makes you feel better overall.
j. Many therapies which help you relax, such as aromatherapy, or reflexology, may have a beneficial effect.
