Stress: How To Reduce and Find Ways To Cope

Stress is a normal physical response to upsetting or worrisome events. Stress is not always bad if experienced in moderation. It can motivate you to do your best and take action. However, if you are constantly under stress and feel pressured, worried or overwhelmed, it can cause major damage to your health.

Stress manifests itself in many different ways, including restlessness, headaches, heartburn, sleeplessness, increased anger or frustration, change in appetite, irritability, feelings of anxiety, or difficulty concentrating. It can also have detrimental effects on your relationships at home and in the workplace. As you can imagine, alleviating stress, and the symptoms associated with it, can lead to a healthier, happier life.

Ways to Cope

• Express your feelings. Discuss your anxieties with others. Write down your feelings in a journal, or send someone a letter.

• Engage in activities you enjoy. See a movie or listen to music, spend time doing a favorite hobby, or get involved in volunteer work.

• Take time for yourself. You are important so make time for you. Do things that make you happy and spend time with positive happy people.

• Do things to relax your mind. Unwind by reading a book. Try massage therapy or muscle relaxation exercises.

• Get regular exercise. A walk or a trip to the gym can help immensely.

• Seek medical treatment if you are under prolonged stress or you feel you can no longer cope.

How to Reduce Stress in Your Life
Bringing down your stress level will alleviate the symptoms associated with stress. The long term effects of reducing stress will help you live a happier and healthier life.

Lifestyle Choices

Strive to make better decisions that minimize excessive stress.

Manage Your Time
Plan ahead so you don’t feel the last minute pressure to finish projects or deal with stressful situations.

Identify Your Souces of Stress
Determine the situations that cause you the greatest amount of stress and either avoid them or develop coping mechanisms.

Get Support
A strong support network of family and friends who help discuss things that cause you excessive stress can be helpful alleviation.

Talk to a Medical Professional
Consult your physician or a counselor. Don’t hesitate to seek their help.