If you’re living with high levels of stress, you’re putting your well-being at risk. Stress affects your emotional well-being, as well as your physical health. Stress can limit your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life. It may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress. Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive.
Here are some tips for managing your stress:
- Know your limits and stick to them
- Avoid people that constantly stress you out
- Express your feelings instead of bottling them up
- Reframe your problems
Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. It’s easy to overlook how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours contribute to your everyday stress levels.
While stress is an automatic response from your nervous system, some stressors arise at predictable times. It’s important to know that some sources of stress are unavoidable. You can’t prevent or change stressors such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a concerning news event. In such cases, the best way to cope with stress is to reaffirm the idea that we can’t control world events, and that bad things happen to all of us from time to time.
When you’re stressed, the last thing you probably feel like doing is getting up and exercising. However, physical activity is a huge stress reliever. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good, and it can also serve as a valuable distraction from your daily worries.
Try to make it a point to connect regularly, in person, with family and friends. Keep in mind that the people you talk to don’t have to be able to fix your stress. They simply need to be good listeners. Try to remember to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle the obstacles that life presents.
Note: The Free Your Mind Mental Health Society is an independent youth-led organization. The contents of this blog are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In the event of a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 911 or other local emergency number immediately.