Author: Lea Zweig, Psy.D.
Stress is something that everyone experiences. At different times in our lives we have more stress due to health factors or environmental factors that we cannot control (i.e., a move, a break up, buying a car). Contrary to what you may think, stress is not always a negative experience. A healthy amount of stress can help motivate you to accomplish a task. For example, moving is stressful, but a small amount of stress can help motivate you to load your belongings in a truck when you are moving. Healthy stress is temporary and you will begin to feel relief when the stressor has dissipated. Unhealthy stress can feel debilitating and/or consume your life. It can lead to depression or anxiety if left unmanaged. There are many different ways of coping with this type of stress and determining whether it is healthy or unhealthy. Below are some healthy coping skills to manage stress.
Relaxation and Meditation
There are videos on youtube.com that can help guide you through relaxation exercises. There are many types of relaxation exercises. Do not give up if the first type of relaxation exercise you try does not work for you. It is normal to have a hard time focusing and giving the exercise your undivided attention. It takes time for relaxation to work.
Exercise
Exercise can also help relieve tension by releasing endorphins that make you feel good. You have to find what you enjoy doing for exercise. You can choose yoga, gym classes, going to the gym, running outside or going on a walk with a friend.
Talking to a friend or family member
Talking to a friend or a family member can be helpful. They can give advice and/or listen to what is happening. Sometimes it helps to ask for what you want from them, so that you are not disappointed when they do not meet your expectation.
Set up a plan
Create a plan with realistic goals to help manage your problems. For example, when moving you might create a list of everything that needs to get done and ask others for help to complete the list.
Meet with a therapist
Sometimes it is helpful to talk to someone that is not involved in your life. It is often beneficial to go over the tools available to you that help cope with the stress that is affecting you.
Breathe
Inhale through your nose and take a deep breathe through your diaphragm. Then hold it for a few seconds and then release the air through your nose. Drop your shoulders. Then do it again. This relaxation technique through breathing often provides immediate relief from stress.
When it feels like you have come to the end of your list of options, then it might be time to ask someone for help. Sometimes your list of options may feel like it is endless, however, with help it is possible to prioritize your options, take action and thus manage to reduce your stress.
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