3 tips to manage stress
Updated: Dec 9, 2022
We all have stress. Research shows that acute and chronic stress is associated with increased inflammatory activity and enhanced attentional processing of negative information. Both are predictive of negative mood and depression symptoms that, in turn, increase inflammatory and cognitive stress reactivity. Stress can also impact your skin health. Chronic stress can keep you from feeling and performing your best – mentally, physically and emotionally but we can learn to manage stress. Here are 3 tips:
1. Positive Self-Talk
Self-talk can be positive (“I can do this” or “everything will be OK”). Human nature tends to be negative but we can learn to be positive starting with our thoughts.
With practice, you can learn to shift negative thoughts to positive ones. For example:
Negative to Positive
Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I’ll do the best I can. I’ve got this.”
Instead of saying, “I hate it when this happens,” say, “I know how to deal with this – I’ve done it before.”
Instead of saying, “I feel helpless and alone,” say, “I can reach out and get help if I need it.”
Instead of saying, “I can’t believe I screwed up,” say, “I’m human, and we all make mistakes. I can fix it.”
To really make it work, practice positive self-talk every day – in the car, at your desk, before you go to bed or whenever you notice negative thoughts. It’s a great practice to teach kids, too!
2. Top 10 Emergency Stress-Stoppers
Emergency stress-stoppers are actions to help you defuse stress in the moment. You may need different stress-stoppers for different situations, and sometimes it helps to combine them. Here are some stress relievers:
Count to 10 before you speak or react.
Take a few slow, deep breaths until you feel your body un-clench a bit.
Go for a walk, even if it’s just to the restroom and back. It can give you a chance to think things through.
Try a quick meditation or prayer to get some perspective.
If it’s not urgent, sleep on it and respond tomorrow. This works especially well for stressful emails and social media trolls.
Walk away from the situation for a while, and handle it later once things have calmed down.
Break down big problems into smaller parts. Take one step at a time.
Turn on some chill music or an inspirational podcast to help you deal with road rage.
Take a break to pet the dog, hug a loved one or do something to help someone else.
Work out or do something active. Exercise is a great antidote for stress.
3. Stress-Busting Activities
Doing things you enjoy is a natural way to relieve stress and find your happy place. Even when you’re down, you may find pleasure in simple things like going for a walk, catching up with a friend or reading a good book.
When stress makes you feel bad, do something that makes you feel good – even if only for 10 or 15 minutes.
Some of these stress-relieving activities may work for you:
Play with your kids or pets – outdoors, if possible.
Take a walk in nature.
Meditate or practice yoga.
Work in the garden or do a home improvement project.
Go for a walk, run or bike ride to clear your head.
Read a book, short story or magazine.
Meet a friend for coffee or a meal.
The key is to find your groove and make it a practice. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you may start to feel better once you disrupt the cycle of stress. (Finally, don't be too harsh on yourself.)
Please share your tips/experiences/thoughts on comment below...
Source: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/3-tips-to-manage-stress
Comments