Three Steps to Managing Stress

Feel like your life revolves around being stressed out constantly? Well, here are some tips to prevent, manage and cope with your stress.

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the ever-increasing demands of life. It is normal to have stress in your life; however, there are both positive and negative stressors. Learning to identify and manage your stress can help you to cope with life’s daily challenges.

The Three Steps of Stress Management

1. Determine what is stressful in your life right now

2. Identify ways to reduce stress

3. Make changes

Identifying Stressors.  The most important phase of stress management is first identifying your personal triggers. Take time to write down what your sources of stress are, rating them from high to low. Find a system that works for you.

Stress Reducers.  The following is a list of proven stress reducers; pick a few to decide which is best for you.

•  Sleep: This should be your highest priority. Getting enough sleep has been shown to help brain function and general functionality. 7-9 hours is best.
• Learn to say no: You don’t have to say yes to everything. If it doesn’t help you achieve your goals, it really is all right to say no.
• Exercise: This not only releases chemicals that help you to feel happy, but it helps to break down the chemicals that raise your stress levels. A regular exercise schedule can help regulate naturally-occurring hormones.
• Laughing: This has been shown to release chemicals and reduce stress hormones in your brain. Read a good comic or watch a funny movie or video clip.
•  Journal: This can go two ways. Keeping a gratitude journal has been shown to help boost optimism. Also, journaling about life helps to take the burdens from your shoulders.
•  Do something you enjoy: Take 5 minutes for “me time.” This allows for a few minutes to unwind. Do a hobby, play music, paint nails—anything you need.
• Spend time with others: Although it may seem daunting at first, getting out and socializing can help reduce risk factors for stress.
• Other: Do anything else that personally is relaxing for you.

Make Changes.  In order to manage stress and cope with life’s challenges, you need to make changes. Create and stick to a schedule. Plan what matters most first and then add in stress reducers. Eliminate unnecessary stressors. Make appropriate changes in your lifestyle today.

 You will never be able to manage stress in your life if you don't take responsibility now.  Relax, move forward, and don't be so stressed out!