How to Fight Stress
By Sara Butler
Stress isn’t something you can totally eliminate from your life, but you can learn to manage it in healthy and productive ways. In fact, there are some very simple techniques you can use to keep your stress levels at a low simmer and prevent them from boiling over. Here are some easy ways to beat stress in your daily life!
Practice Positive Self-Talk
You may think that talking to yourself is a little crazy, but it’s a great way to help manage stress throughout your day. Self-talk can happen out loud or in your head, but no matter how it’s done you should strive to be positive with yourself. Negative self-talk may increase your stress, so move away from it with these simple thoughts:
- I’m doing the best I can
- I can handle things one step at a time
- I know how to deal with this
- I can get help if needed
- I won’t let this get me down
- Things can be much worse
- I’m a human being so I make mistakes
- One day I’ll joke about this
You have to practice positive self-talk daily. Do it in the car, before you go to bed, at your desk, or when you notice negative thoughts creeping in.
Stress Stoppers
Situations at work, at home, or in public can cause stress. It can come on due to poor communication or simply having to wait in line too long. In these situations, emergency stress stoppers should be used to help you deal with stress in the moment. Some great examples of emergency stress stoppers are:
- Tally to 10 by counting in your head before acting or speaking
- Take five deep breaths
- Go for a walk
- Remove yourself from the taxing situation
- Don’t be scared to apologize
- Set your watch ahead to avoid the stress of being late
- Avoid busy roads that cause stress if possible
- Get a hug from someone
- Break your problems down into smaller, more manageable parts
The Pleasure Principle
When stress makes you feel bad, then you need to do something that makes you feel good! Do something you enjoy that can help you fight back stress, such as:
- Finding a new hobby
- Have coffee with a friend
- Play golf or another sport you like
- Read a book
- Listen to your favorite song
- Watch a beloved movie
- Take a class
- Play a game with friends or family
There is a solution to stress, you just need to learn to handle it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, N.C.