What to Do When You Feel Stressed
By Sara Butler
Everyone has been there: You have a huge school or work project due and you already feel as if you're pushed to maximum capacity with everything else you've got going on in life. Oh, and you need to get the dog to the vet and your car's check engine light just came on. In other words, you're stressed.
Stress has a variety of triggers and can manifest itself in a million different ways. Some people actually thrive in a stressful environment while others don't have a positive reaction to too much stress. If you're in the latter group, it's not unusual to have headaches, stomach issues, sleep issues, or be irritable as a result. When you're feeling stressed, there are some things you can do at that moment to help. The next time you feel like your head is going to explode from stress, then stop and ask yourself these questions to try and help.
Is There Another Way to Look at It?
Many people feel stressed when they're presented with a situation that they feel like they can't get out of. They can't see any way out of it. In times like that you need to approach it from a different perspective. Break the issue down into smaller, more manageable parts. Don't be afraid to bring in someone else to help you gain a fresh perspective on the whole situation.
Can You Get Help?
There's nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. Ask someone at work to help you out or set up a carpool schedule to help get the kids to their next sports practice. Heck, hire an accountant to do your taxes for you so you don't have to worry. It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help but a sign that you're smart enough to know when it's time to call for support.
What Can You Change?
When things feel overwhelming, don't get bogged down by the stuff you have no control over. Think about the things that are in your control and reflect on them. If you can take charge of the things you can change, then you can spend your mental energy on that instead of the things that are out of your control.
Will Worrying Help?
It's natural to worry to some degree, but it's important to know when enough is enough. Worrying is not constructive in most situations, so be proactive and don't focus on the things that could possibly go wrong. Instead, invest some time in thinking about what can go right.
It's crucial to find a way to deal with stress effectively. Try a few of these tips to see if they help!
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