There are many psychological stressors such as a person, an issue, an event, or memory that can cause our hearts to race, inflict headaches and cause shoulder tension and stress.
But reducing stress gets easier if you know exactly what to do when it rears its ugly head.
Here are 7 tried and tested ways to reduce and manage stress for a happier life:
1. Eliminate stressors.
Reader’s Digest shared some tricks to do this: “Avoid stressful people as well as predictably stressful situations,” the list says. It seems so simple and straightforward. If you can’t do away with stress or if you’re uncomfortable with someone else’s presence, then find a way to excuse yourself.
While there are times when we can’t do this (at work, family gatherings) in those moments you can control, then do so. You need not burden yourself with the agony of pretending to be nice and superficial.
Sometimes the best thing to do is to end things in a civilised manner. Once you do, you’ll find your life will be much more calm and peaceful.
2. Promote positivity.
Life often is a matter of perspective. Being optimistic can do wonders for your health and stress levels. Studies show that negative self-talk increases stress levels – making you feel more down and likely to burn out.
With much practice, you can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Try daily affirmations and positive self-talk. Remember that language is powerful. Instead of saying “I can’t” and expecting things to go wrong, try saying “I’ll do the best I can” and hope that things will work out.
3. Dealing with stress on the spot.
Sometimes stress hits us when we’re going about our business. It can happen at work, at home or even when we’re driving the car (proved by the escalating road rage incidents). When you’re feeling the stress, try taking three to five deep breaths, counting 1-10, going for a short walk, hugging a loved one, smiling, meditating, or even saying some positive words (such as a prayer). Doing these things can help bring your focus back to the present moment which can help overcome the emotional hijack.
4. Do something that makes you happy.
It may sound silly particularly when you’re in the middle of a stress attack, but doing things you enjoy can help to fight stress such as putting on your favourite song or calling your best friend. And if getting stressed seems inevitable (due to an inescapable work or family situation), feel free to reward yourself afterward with relaxing “me” time at the spa or drinking a coffee at your favourite cafe.
5. Let go of perfection.
One of the reasons people suffer from high stress is that they place impossible expectations on themselves and others. Understand that everyone commits mistakes and so do you. According to a series of studies, perfectionism actually impedes success and can even cause depression, anxiety and addiction. By accepting that we all have weaknesses and that it is okay to have them, it makes it easier to deal with times when you don’t achieve the “perfect” outcome.
6. Be solutions focussed.
Although worrying and caring seem like the same thing, worrying is unhelpful and causes problems to balloon. Worrying is an attempt to exert control over the future by thinking about it; whereas, caring is taking premeditated actions to support the best interests of the person or thing you care about. By taking a solutions-focussed action-oriented approach, you can actually alleviate worry and stress.
7. Start your journey to mindfulness.
We live in a fast world and to deal with all the pressures, expectations, personal and professional commitments, we usually live in a state of “autopilot”. It is in this state, that we also feel stress, worry and anxiety. However overriding your autopilot, can have profound effect on your stress level. Living in mindfulness – a state in which you are conscious of your thoughts and emotions – can help to break the stress cycle. By actively focusing on the present moment or being mindful you overcome your internal “autopilot” and find more peace and balance.
If you’re looking for natural ways to deal with stress, please give our office a call on 07 3399 1002 and book yourself in for a relaxation or Lomi Lomi massage. In our opinion, there is no better way to deal with the pressures of everyday life.