Stress – we hear about it everywhere and for many of us, feel it most days or even most of the day! It can make us physically ill, exhausted, irritable, and possibly, not the most productive or pleasant person.
While it might sound nice to escape to a remote island or a relaxing bubble bath, the stress is usually still there when you return. Vacations and self-care are vital for our health. But are there other ways to combat the effects of daily stress to help us be more joyful? Is it possible to live with stress and experience good health and joy?
Yes! And now is a great time to rethink your relationship with stress because April is National Stress Awareness month. I’ll be sharing tips this month on how to shift from stress avoidance to confident acceptance. Also, The American Institute of Stress has informative, action-oriented articles, assessments, podcasts, magazines, and a mobile app guide to help you learn about and manage stress.
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with ways to bolster my inner self so I am better equipped to respond to stress in healthy and yes, even joyful, ways. It’s not always easy in the moment…but it’s worth a try. Here are just a few ideas from you to try:
- Learn to identify what stressors are in your control and how to release the rest. Offer a listening ear and resources to loved ones who are experiencing stress instead of taking it on.
- Minimize unexpected stress as much as possible by preparing ahead. For example: pack lunches, set clothes out, and gas up the car the night before.
- Practice positive, assertive communication to decrease exposure to unnecessary stressors or to take action. MindTools has great tips to help.
- Meditate! It might look like you are “doing nothing” but meditation rewires pathways in your brain to help you focus, feel calm, and be less reactive to stress.
- Use an app to guide you: Try this no-cost InsightTimer app or visit this Mental Health Apps site for reviews of apps by topic.
- Learn to label your thoughts or view them with curiosity instead of criticism: what are they trying to tell me?
- Try a guided meditation walk
- Keep a gratitude journal. Recording and reflecting on Three Good Things that went well each day is powerful. Expert Dr. Brian Sexton has a great, short 3 Good Things video that describes how.
- Stop and assess your 5 Senses: what do you…see, hear, feel, smell, and taste? This pause helps to lower your reaction to high stress.
- Eat well and get good sleep. Visit eatright.org for healthy eating tips and recipes and take the Sleep Foundation quiz to learn your sleep score and tips to improve.
- And most importantly, if you feel overwhelmed by life stressors, talk with your primary care provider (PCP) or mental health provider. They can help!
Changing your response to stress can make a big difference.
*If you are experiencing distress or thoughts of harming yourself or others, call or text 988 anytime day or night for help and resources.*
Beautifully-written and very informative post Kath. Thank you for sharing. Have an stress-free Wednesday! Peace~