This article was last updated on September 5, 2017
We are all pretty much in the same boat, right? Every one of us seems to have the same similar hurdles or struggles and are in need of a go-to plan on how to deal with stress. We all get the similar adverse reactions from discouraging moments that take our emotions to a completely different level. The stresses of life take over and we are faced with an overwhelming tension that robs us of our peace and sanity. Stress has a way of sneaking up and surrounding us on a daily basis. You know that good ol’ reoccurring feeling of slow simmering frustration that creeps up when the simplest of everyday life situations are well out of your control and then builds to an exaggerated breaking point.
So when this happens, you are not only managing the unfortunate set-back at hand, but are also now dealing with the effects from the burden of stress itself. By holding in all of those tense emotions inside of you, you take it to a new level of possible systematic feelings, such as headaches and upset stomach, just to mention a few. So how long can you hold it all together while resisting the effects from stress? What is your personal breaking point and when do you know that you’ve simply have had enough? Life is busy, sometimes messy, and many people depend on us. So we constantly push ourselves one step further and beyond as we try to please everyone other than our self. Not that there is anything wrong with that, because we have a need and a want to make others happy, as well, we expect the same in return. Because you are not alone in life and shouldn’t have to expect to carry all life’s burdens yourself.
You have a choice to take control with a simple go-to plan ahead of time before stress builds up inside of you, of leveling out your emotions and putting yourself in a state of awareness. Or you could wait and conquer the stress as it builds up to the point of hitting you head on. It is up to you.
LEARN THESE 5 EASY TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS BEFORE YOU REACH YOUR BREAKING POINT
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TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST…
Knowing that life can be challenging at times, concentrate on taking care only of you. When you take care of yourself, you have plenty left to give to others who need you. Many people depend on you, and if you are depleted and not on your ‘A’ game, you won’t be able to help them. Make an appointment time with yourself for some well needed R, R and some more R! Rest, relaxation and recuperation. Loosen yourself up and unwind at least once a week, even if it’s for a minimal amount of time. Actually pencil yourself into your datebook. Make quality time with yourself. Seriously! A hot bath, cup of hot cocoa and a good book. Or whatever would be your ideal way of which calms and refreshes your soul!
Also mark the time needed for organizing your thoughts, time management and organization. Be on top of appointment scheduling, to-do lists and sorting through the mounds of paper and junk mail piling up. This keeps your mind clear,giving you less anxiety about using the free time for yourself. Take care of yourself physically! Make time for eating right, getting adequate exercise and a proper regular restful sleep. By doing those general things you’ll be taking care of yourself mentally as well. Know when you’ve had enough when it comes to doing favors for others. You do not have to do it all, plus you have a right to say ‘NO’ to anything that drains your energy.
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DON’T LET THE TENSION BOIL UP INSIDE YOU…
Stress is a normal part of life, but by continually holding the frustration bottled up inside of you, only paves the way for tension to build up and make a negative physical impact. We all have face stress in a different way.Know what the best way is for you to personally release your stress and anxiety. Do you prefer to talk to someone and let it all out? Would you rather scream into a pillow? How about curl up and have yourself a good cry, just let it all out and feel a sense of relief afterwards.
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KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR…
Laughter truly is the best medicine. A good sense of humor goes a long way in stress management. You should be able to laugh at yourself during silly situations. No one expects you to be serious all the time. How much fun are you to live with? Is every situation a fight? My mother always said, “pick your battles!” Think about it, how exhausting would it be to have to fight every little problem that comes your way. By reestablishing your priorities and relinquishing some responsibilities, you could potentially gain time and energy.
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KEEP A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE…
Count your blessings, be in the now and live in the present moment! Don’t be overwhelmed by unnecessary fears and stop worrying about what you, yourself, cannot change. You have plenty to enjoy right now in the present. Why wish your life away by counting down the days till spring and warmer weather, or till the day you retire? Worrying about the future only drains what you have to offer today and right now in this moment. Things have there way of working themselves out through the most relaxed outlet available.
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GIVE YOUR MIND A TIME-OUT…
Be mindful on a daily basis. Meditation and yoga is a great stress relief that can help you retain your level of patience. Take deep breaths and check your posture often reminding yourself to stay in the present moment. Switch things up and change your routine every now and then. By doing somethings differently you get to break up your boredom and see things from a different perspective. In reality, When it comes figuring out how to deal with stress, we are all pretty much in the same boat however you need to decide if you are going to give up and jump overboard or are you going to keep rowing at a smooth and steady pace instead.
