When it comes to stress, we all know the feeling. We feel overwhelmed and anxious, our minds race and we can’t seem to focus on anything. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is pumping through our veins and we’re in fight or flight mode. This is not a good place to be. In fact, it’s quite dangerous. Stress can lead to a whole host of health problems, both physical and mental. It can weaken our immune system, increase our risk of heart disease and stroke, and contribute to anxiety and depression. So how do we deal with stress? How do we stay calm in the midst of a storm? Here are 11 ways to deal with stress in your everyday life
Identify the source of your stress.
This is the first and most important step in dealing with stress. If you don’t know what’s causing your stress, you can’t do anything to change it. Take a few moments to sit down and think about what in your life is causing you stress. Is it your job? Your finances? Your relationships? Once you identify the source of your stress, you can start to take steps to change it.
Change your mindset.
If you’re constantly telling yourself that you’re stressed, guess what? You’re going to feel stressed. It’s important to change your mindset and stop stressing about the things that are out of your control. Focus on the things that you can control and let go of the rest.
Get organized.
If you’re feeling stressed, it’s likely because you’re feeling overwhelmed. One way to combat this is to get organized. Make a list of the things that are causing you stress and tackle them one by one . Get rid of anything in your life that isn’t essential and focus on what’s important.
Take a break.
When you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to take a step back and take a break. Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, or just take some time for yourself. This will help you clear your head and come back refreshed.
Exercise.
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. It helps to increase endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. Exercise is also a great way to get rid of pent-up energy and focus your mind on something positive.
Eat healthy.
What you eat can have a big impact on your stress levels. Eating unhealthy foods can make you feel sluggish and stressed, while eating healthy foods can give you energy and help you to feel better. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Get enough sleep.
If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re going to be more susceptible to stress. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Connect with loved ones.
Spending time with loved ones is a great way to reduce stress. They can provide support and understanding when you’re going through a tough time. Spending time with friends and family can help you to feel connected and loved, which is a great way to combat stress.
Seek Professional Help
If you feel constantly stressed and don’t have a solid way of coping with feelings of anxiety, depression and stress, we highly recommend seeking professional help. In particular we recommend Cedarway Therapy, a psychology and psychotherapy clinic dedicated towards helping address common mental health issues through various strategies such as:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Emotion Based Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing & much more!
Laugh!
Did you know that laughing can actually help to reduce stress? It’s true! Laughter releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. So next time you’re feeling stressed, watch a funny movie, read a funny book , or just spend time with friends and family.
Reduce your caffeine intake.
If you’re someone who relies on caffeine to get through the day, you may want to consider reducing your intake. Caffeine can actually increase anxiety and make you more susceptible to stress. If you do drink caffeine, try to limit yourself to one cup per day.
Practice meditation or mindfulness.
Meditation and mindfulness are great ways to reduce stress. Both practices help to focus your mind and bring awareness to the present moment. Meditation and mindfulness can help you to feel more relaxed and calm, which is a great way to combat stress.
These are just a few of the many ways that you can deal with stress in your everyday life. By taking some time for yourself and making some simple changes, you can start to feel more relaxed and in control. So don’t let stress take over your life. Take back control and start living a happier, healthier life today.
