Stress is a regular part of life, but when it’s not managed, it can lead to health issues such as headaches, anxiety and problems with memory and mood. The good news? There are healthy, effective ways to manage stress and feel more in control! Here are a few examples of ways to manage stress:
- Tackle the issues that are causing your stress. Learn what triggers your stress (your stressors) and accept that you cannot control everything. Journaling can be an effective way to understand your thoughts and feelings and to identify what exactly is causing your stress.
- Prioritize your time. Take time to reflect on your priorities. Decide what must be done and what can wait. Make a realistic plan on what you can accomplish for the day and practice self-compassion and forgiveness if you don’t check off everything from your to-do list.
- Take breaks. Take breaks throughout the day so your body and mind can reset between tasks. Getting a change of scenery and enjoying the great outdoors can also help give you a mental break from stress.
- Build mental resilience. Practice open communication, positive self-talk and gratitude to build a foundation for dealing with stress.
- Get enough quality sleep. Sleep restores your body and brain, helping you process the day’s information and emotions. Establish a healthy bedtime routine and aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily.
- Be active! Any activity that gets your heart pumping can help reduce stress. Exercise produces feel-good hormones, like endorphins and serotonin, which make you feel happy and less stressed. Just 30 minutes of walking daily can make a big difference.
- Connect with others. Build a support network, share your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend, or join a support group.
