Feel Your Best Instead of Stressed: Simple Strategies to Combat Stress

Stress. It surrounds you at work and at home.  Maybe you know what stresses you – the deadlines at work, paying the mortgage, the driver that cut you off on the highway, picking the kids up on time, or figuring out what’s for dinner. Are you aware of how your reaction to stress can cause physical and emotional distress to yourself and those around you?

How Do You Respond to Stress?

We all respond differently to stress and your response may be physical, mental, emotional or behavioral. Below is a very short list of common negative stress responses. Do any sound familiar?

• Worry
• Fatique
• Poor sleep patterns
• Over or under eating
• Irritability
• Overwhelm
• Forgetfulness
• Impatience
• Anger

Stress is also linked to several major causes of death including heart disease, stroke and cancer. For more about causes and symptons of stress click here.

What Can You Do About it?

Stress is a good news/bad news story. The bad news first. Stress affects everyone including children and adults, and unfortunately it isn’t going away.  The good news, however, is that you can learn to manage it.

If you want to feel your best instead of stress, consider the following strategies.  These are suitable for home, office, or anytime use. Try one and see how it works for you.

Be aware. Notice what stresses you and note your reactions to those stressful situations. Stop and ask yourself, “How am I feeling?” and then ask, “What steps can I take to improve how I feel in the future?” This is one of many simple exercises you can start now, so you can begin feeling better about yourself and how you handle yourself during times of stress. 

Laugh. Find a colleague or call a friend who makes you laugh. Studies prove that smiling and laughing help relax the body, and takes less energy than furrowing the brow.

Breathe. You’ve heard the expression “Just take a deep breath”.  Well, there is a lot of truth to that statement, as long as you breathe correctly. Inhaling and exhaling through the nose can be very calming, while inhaling through the nose and out through the mouth can be cleansing.

Take a walk. Get away from the problem.  Ideally take a walk outside and get some fresh air. At the very least move away from what is causing you stress and get a change of scenery.  This will help you approach the issue with a fresh perspective when you return.

Stretch. Stress creates physical tension resulting in muscle aches and pains. If you notice your shoulders tingle, stretch them out! Simple neck stretches, forward bends, chair twists will help "ring out" stress and have you feeling better right away.

Keep your space clean. A cluttered desk or home space can often lead to unnecessary stress. Take a few minutes each day to clean up papers and files that have been piling up. Organize books on your shelves, and keep your space dust free. 

Your turn: How do you manage stress? What strategies work for you?