It is very important to manage your stress levels. If you’re living with high levels of stress, you’re putting your entire well-being at risk. Stress can wreak havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. It will narrow your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy your life. The good news is that there are things you can do to break the hold stress has in your life.
First and most important, be sure to positioned right with your God. Since you are a spirit being that is of God, you need to remain connected to Him. Strive to be in good standing with God, following His principles, as means to protect you and to give you a positive outlook on life’s even toughest situations.
Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. While it’s easy to identify major stressors, such as changing jobs, or going through a divorce, pinpointing the sources of chronic stress can be more complicated. Keep a stress journal which can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the way you deal with them. By doing this, you will have a systematic way of addressing your stress.
Practice the 4 A’s of stress management. While stress is an automatic response from your nervous system, some stressors arise at predictable times, such as being pulled over or family gatherings. When handling such predictable stressors, you can either change the situation or change your reaction. When deciding which option to choose in any given scenario, it’s helpful to think of the 4 A’s of avoid, alter, adapt, or accept.
When you’re stressed, the last thing you probably feel like doing is getting up and exercising. Physical activity is a huge stress reliever, and you don’t have to be an athlete or spend hours in a gym to experience the benefits. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good, and it can also serve as a valuable distraction from your daily worries. Try listening to music and dancing around. Take your dog for a walk or pair up with an exercise partner for encouragement as you work out.
Find time to connect with others. There is nothing more calming than spending quality time with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood. In fact, face-to-face interaction triggers a cascade of hormones that counteracts the body’s defensive “fight-or-flight” response. It’s nature’s natural stress reliever. It also helps stave off depression and anxiety. So, make it a point to connect regularly and in person with family and friends.
Make some time for fun and relaxation. Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by carving out “me” time. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Set aside leisure time and do something you enjoy every day. Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. Try to work on relaxation practices.
Begin to manage your time better. Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you’re stretched too thin and running behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused. You can do this by not over-committing yourself, prioritize tasks, break projects into small steps and delegate responsibility.
In addition to regular exercise, there are other healthy lifestyle choices that can increase your resistance to stress by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end with a crash in mood and energy. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Be sure to get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.
Learn to relieve stress in the moment. When you’re frazzled by your morning commute, stuck in a stressful meeting at work, or fried from another argument with your spouse, you need a way to manage your stress levels right now. That’s where quick stress relief comes in. The key to quick stress relief is to experiment and discover the unique sensory experiences that work best for you.
If you believe we can help you, please give us a call at 772-932-9310, or you can visit us at our website www.hobesoundprimarycare.com. We look forward to meeting you!
