The Do's and Don'ts During Stressful Times

By Brandi Goodman 

Stressful times arise for everyone. What brings on that stress may be different for each person -- and even different each time. With certain do's and don'ts in mind, however, you can help yourself to get through these stressful times a bit easier -- no matter how they started.

Don't Lose Sleep

It may be easier said than done at times, but you shouldn't lose sleep over what's stressing you. If you spend all night thinking about what's bothering you, you'll spend the next day exhausted and still worried. Do what you can to help yourself drift off at night so you aren't spending your sleeping hours awake and anxious. Setting a sleep routine can help. Turn off your phone, take a warm bath, use a diffuser with lavender -- you may find it easier to drift off.

Do Eat Healthy

It can be easy to grab junk food and eat away your worries. The problem is, the problem won't really go away forever. You'll just be scarfing down calories and feeding your body and brain toxins that can cause even more stress to your system. You need to eat healthy so you can fuel your mind. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can combat stress and help you feel better.

Don't Overload Yourself

You might think that filling your schedule with activities upon activities can prevent you from thinking about what's stressing you. Though that may be true for a while, eventually your stress will catch up. Your giant to-do list will become a stressor in itself. You shouldn't overload yourself with too much work or a full schedule of things to do after. You need time to unwind and unburden your mind. 

Do Get Some Exercise

Exercise is a great for combating stress. It releases endorphins that make you feel good. You'll be focused on the workout at hand and not be so worried about what's been stressing you out. Go for a run. Hit the gym. Try a new class. Exercise may be just what you need to de-stress.

Don't Turn to Alcohol

Alcohol may drop your inhibitions -- making you feel as though you have no worries. It can also be addicting. If you turn to the bottle during one time of stress, you'll be likely to turn to it again when stress sets in at another time. You might find yourself using a drink to wash down your worries rather than ever facing them. This can lead to high alcohol consumption, poor decisions, and serious consequences. 

Stress is inevitable. You're bound to feel some stress at some point in your life. Just be sure you know what to do -- and what not to do -- when you experience it so you can make your way through the tough time with as little damage to your psyche as possible. 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rock Hill, S.C.

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