We may not be able to control stress, but we can manage it, and the best way to manage your stress is to learn healthy stress coping strategies. You can start practicing these tips right away. Try one or two until you find a few that work for you. Practice these techniques until they become a habit that you may turn to when you feel stressed
These stress-relief techniques focus on relaxing your mind and your body.
1. Write
It may help you write about the things that are bothering you. Write for 10 to 15 minutes a day about stressful events and how they made you feel. Or think about tracking your stress. This helps you find out what is causing your stress and how much stress you feel. After you know, you can find better ways to cope with stress.
2. Have A Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep and stress form a vicious cycle. The more you’re stressed, the more you let it affect your sleep patterns. And an unhealthy sleep pattern, in turn, increases stress levels. If you’re unable to sleep, you could try to induce sleep by meditating or performing some light exercises. Also, before you go to bed, open your windows to let in some fresh air. Make sure that the temperature of your bedroom is optimum and not too hot or too cold. Doing some light reading or listening to a relaxing music to also help you fall asleep.
3. Let Your Feelings Out
Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to. Talking to friends, family or a counselor about your feelings is a healthy way to relieve and cope with stress.
4. Use Guided Imaginings
With guided imaginings, you imagine yourself in any setting that helps you feel calm and relaxed. You can use audiotapes, books, or a teacher to guide you.
5. Do Something You Enjoy
You may feel that you’re too busy to do these things. But making time to do something you enjoy can help you relax. It might also help you get more done in other areas of your life.
6. Practice Mindful Meditation
Mindful meditation might help you ease stress and cope with other psychological issues as well. To practice mindful meditation, sit in a comfortable spot, cross your legs in front of you, and free your mind of all thoughts. Whenever you realize that your mind’s wandering, bring it back to the present.
7. Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started. Even everyday activities such as housecleaning can reduce stress. Stretching can also relieve muscle tension.
