Every one of us encounters stressful situations from time to time. Stress will always be a part of life but you don’t have to let it take over your well-being and sanity. Stress often is the result of how we interpret a situation. How we handle stress that comes our way is the key to managing and dealing with it.

There are a few different types of stress including internal, external, social, environmental and emotional stress.

Internal stress can be brought on by us individually by not planning well, having a negative attitude, setting unrealistic deadlines and even imagining worst-case scenarios.

External stressors include things that both are and are not in our control such as issues at work, traffic situations, family situations, death/illness/injury and even happy occasions such as weddings and similar events.

The demands of daily living also play a big role in our day to day stress levels.
Types and reasons for stress are not limited to the examples above but the following are trusted ways to manage most types of stress including those not listed.

Managing stress is important for our overall health and well-being. Stress can affect our thinking, our sleep, our diet, our blood-pressure, digestion, muscle and joint pain and more.

Stress-Less Tips

Give yourself permission to relax either for a period every day or a day every week to a weekend every month; there is no wrong way if it works for you personally.

• Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Food can either fuel our thinking or “fog” our thinking.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity releases endorphins; a feel good, feel positive hormone. Something as simple as a 15-30 minute walk can make a difference.
• Sleep enough – Sleep reboots the brain, aim for 7-8 hours per night.
• Get organized and plan well. Set realistic goals, accept your limitations and ask for help when needed.
• Find balance between work and your personal life.
• Keep a good social circle, stay in touch with friends and family members you support and who support you.
• Stay positive. See the lesson in each circumstance; view them as opportunities rather than disasters.
• Practice deep breathing, daily meditation and relaxation; 5-10 minutes each day can help in big ways by slowing your mind and body down allowing you to process your thoughts and let them go.
• And finally, and importantly, don’t rely on alcohol and drugs to relax you or to reduce tension. Get professional help of a doctor, therapist, or health coach if you feel overwhelmed or hopeless.

Stress is normal – staying stressed is not. Take steps to reduce your stress. Contact me if you’d like to work on releasing yourself from stress learn how to live a less stressed life.