No matter what the origin of stress is for you, there are some basic steps you can take to manage stress that you experience. I recommend that people approach stress from three angles:
- Quick Stress Relief
While quick stress relievers aren't a complete stress management plan in themselves, they are an excellent first line of defense against the effects of chronic stress. This is because they can help you turn off your body's stress response and respond to the stressors you face from a calm (or calmer), more relaxed place. This helps you to more effectively deal with what is stress, and keep yourself healthier at the same time. Common strategies for quick stress relief include breathing exercises or use of humor. (See this article for 5 Minute Stress Relief< strategies.) - Address The Situation
This step is a little more individualized, but stress management is an important key. As previously discussed, stressed, overwhelmed people aren't always in the best position to solve problems, so once you find yourself in a calmer place (from the above exercises), you can work on addressing what is stress in your life. Relationship stress? Try learning some healthy communication strategies or assertive communication skills. Job stress? Learn to find job satisfaction at your current job, or take steps toward moving to a new one. Money stress? You can handle that, too, with some stress management techniques and financial advice resources. (Sometimes self-sabotage is at play; here are some strategies for people who are their own worst enemy.) - Long-Term Stress Management
Another important part of a stress management plan is having some regular activities in your life that replenish you and help you become more resilient in facing what is stress in your daily life. Rather than waiting until you're overwhelmed by stress, if you make certain stress-relieving activities a habit, you'll be less reactive to stressors when you experience them, and you'll be more able to handle them when you face them. Some of these habits include meditation, exercise and the regular practice of having fun. (See this article for more strategies to become more emotionally resilient.)
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