Guest Post: 10 Ways To Cope With Stress

10 Ways to Cope With Stress

Spoiler alert: stress often affects us all.

And it’s not surprising.

I mean, trying to keep everything in order on a daily basis is unbelievably challenging. There’s so much that we have to juggle in the digital age, from work or school and running a home to dating and relationships.

However, did you know that feeling stressed in moderation can actually be beneficial for you?

Not only does it maintain your focus, but it also provides you with the motivation and adrenaline to get you through important deadlines, meetings, or exams. 

That said, an extreme amount of stress can have significant health consequences and severely affect your cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

That’s why it’s necessary to keep your stress levels under control as much as you can.

Struggling? Not to worry—these 10 ways to cope with stress will help you feel calmer in your everyday life.

Get Organised

Ways to cope with stress 101: have a journal where you list all of the important things you need to handle each day.

Tackle as much as you can in the time that you have—and don’t be too hard on yourself if low-priority tasks get carried over to the next day.

Also, if you have a big day at work or school ahead of you, prepare for it the night before. Get your bag ready, make your lunch, and set your alarm clock 30 minutes earlier to allow yourself time if something unexpected happens.

The trick is to make life easier for yourself and only good things will follow.

Exercise Regularly

Exercising frequently helps your body in many ways.

Not only does it regulate your sleep and increase your energy levels, but it will also kickstart your feel-good endorphins to boost your mood.

Essentially, come up with a fitness plan that works for your lifestyle, set bite-size goals for yourself, and reward yourself when you achieve them. 

Then you can say goodbye to stress and hello to a relaxed, more focused you.

Do What You Love

I know it sounds simple, but be sure to make time for music, art or other hobbies that will chill you out and distract you from the things that may be causing you anguish.

Whether it’s walking the dog to the park every morning or taking a long, hot bubble bath before bed, doing what you love can help you a lot in times of stress.

Therefore, make sure you do it. And do it frequently.

Eliminate The Bad

If you’re going through a particularly difficult time, try to avoid using alcohol or smoking as a distraction.

I know it can be tempting. But these bad habits emphasize the negative impact that stress is already having on your body.

As a result, you feel more stressed-out than ever before. Not cool.

Meditate

Did you know that meditation is a life-saver when it comes to aiding both the body and the mind with relaxation?

For best results, use visualisation to manage your thoughts. Sit quietly with your eyes closed and imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of your favourite place, such as a quiet beach or revitalizing mountain retreat. 

It will only be a matter of time before you feel calmer and re-energized.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep is imperative to keep your stress levels down. For most people, this consists of seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.

If it’s the night before a big event and you’re worried about getting enough sleep, go to bed earlier than your usual time. 

And to truly reap the rewards and ensure you’re on top form the next day, avoid being on your phone for an hour or so before you go to sleep and quieten your mind by reading.

Avoid Difficult People

Coping with stress 101: do you have people in your life who make it even more troublesome? Then cut them out. Simple.

It may sound harsh, but it’ll do wonders for your mental and emotional health.

If you can’t cut out a negative person out of your life completely because they’re a family member, reduce the time you spend with them instead.

Why? Well, positive vibes equal a positive life.

Take Time For Yourself

Take mini-breaks during your working day where you can just be for yourself for a while. Get up and stretch, walk around, drink some water, and go outside for a walk.

The truth is: we all need a little time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 
There’s a lot to be said for having some peace and quiet to arm yourself with the ammunition you need to be able to deal with the chaos once again.

Find Reasons to Smile More

Fun fact: our brains are interconnected with our emotions and facial expressions. 

When humans are stressed, they often hold a lot of the stress in their face. Therefore, laughs or smiles can help relieve some of that tension and instantly boost your mood.
Plus, you know how the old saying goes: if you frown too much, your face will get stuck in that position. And nobody wants that.

Ask For Help

If you’ve tried everything and you’re still struggling to cope, there’s really no shame in asking for help. Sometimes just talking to someone who loves and understands you makes you feel better.

If a close friend or family member isn’t available, you can always opt for common helplines, support groups, and online forums. 
After all, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Be Kind To Yourself

Ultimately, always remember that stress is temporary.

Even though it doesn’t feel like it at the moment, you’ll get through a hard time just like you’ve got through all the other ones you’ve had in your life so far.
Above all else, remove any unnecessary triggers, lean on loved ones, and be kind to yourself. And this too shall pass.

10 Ways to Cope With Stress first appeared on With Love, Aya on February 9, 2020.