10 Helpful Tips for Managing Stress in Your Life

Stress is an inevitable part of life. A small amount of stress is not always a bad thing. It can be a natural response to an unsafe situation that will help us respond accordingly. When stress is frequent and overwhelming, it could take a toll on your health. In the long term, stress leads to weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.

Here are 10 ways to manage an excessive amount of stress in your life:

1. Recognize When You Are Feeling Stressed

The first step towards managing stress is noticing when it occurs. Mentally, stress could lead to an anxious feeling, irritability, and lack of focus. Physically, you can experience symptoms such as an upset stomach, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and weight gain or loss. Once you have recognized the symptoms of stress, it can then be addressed and managed.

2. Exercise Regularly

Performing exercise can release hormones that counteract the negative effects of stress in the body. Simple activities such as going outside to walk or bike is enough to obtain some of these benefits.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating foods that are processed or high in sugar can add to the negative impact stress has on the body. With a healthy diet, eating foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, can be advantageous to your overall health and mood.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Your mood can be greatly affected by sleep. Without the proper amount of sleep per night, your body cannot regulate hormones and carry out processes it needs to rest and repair.

5. Practice Techniques of Relaxation

Activities such as deep breathing can be used to control breathing and lower heart rate. Triggering the relaxation response reverses the effects of stress.

6. Avoid Turning to Alcohol and Drugs

Turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress can lead to addictive habits with these substances. It is best to use other methods, such as exercise or prayer, instead of alcohol or drugs. These substances can actually worsen the impact of stress on the body.

7. Reach Out for Help

When you experience a significant amount of stress, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed very quickly. Talking to someone will help give perspective and provide support in your situation. If you have been dealing with chronic stress, consider reaching out to a counselor, friend, or family member.

8. Set Attainable Goals

Being well prepared and organized can sometimes be a solution to minimizing stress. Setting goals for yourself not only keeps you focused on the task at hand, but it can also help you feel empowered and promotes a positive outlook on life.

9. Identify Your Triggers

If you recognize a correlation between an event and feelings of stress, work to prevent these triggers in your life. Plan accordingly to either avoid or mentally prepare for the occurrence. This will help you to actively combat stress before it even begins.

10. Listen to Peaceful Music

Music can have a large impact on our mood. By listening to relaxing music, it can help shift your mindset and calm your physical and mental state.

Support at Hope Community Care Clinic

Not all stress is damaging, but it can lead to negative effects if left unaddressed long term. There are many ways to manage your stress, including the 10 tips previously listed. In general, it is best to stay engaged with your overall wellbeing and recognize the needs of your body.

At Hope Community Care Clinic, our mission is to help you take control of your physical and mental health. If you are in need of a wellness checkup or are struggling with symptoms of stress, contact us at (818) 853-2220 to schedule an appointment today!