Stress can cause havoc in our lives if we don’t take steps to manage the symptoms. Increased levels of stress and worry can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, along with your behaviors. Each person can experience stress-related symptoms in a different and unique way. It often targets the weakest part of your physiology and character. For example, if you’re prone to acne break-outs, then stressful situations/days can cause a flare-up. If you’re known to be grumpy, stress will only make the matter worse.
Luckily, not all is lost and there are certain self-help techniques that are great for managing stress levels. You can practice these suggestions on your own and see if they bring an improvement. If stress is creating unwanted anxiety that is making your life spiral out of control, it may be a good idea to speak with a psychotherapist. A combination of behavioral therapy and practicing self-help techniques is often the key to unlocking a stress-free lifestyle.
Become aware of your stressors – do certain situations trigger your body’s stress response? By being aware of what triggers you to be stressed out, worried, and anxious, you can learn to manage these feelings and emotions.
Learn to reverse the stress response – once you’re aware of what’s happening to your body, you can decrease stress naturally. Try relaxation breathing or meditation. Staying in the “now” is the cornerstone of practicing mindfulness which can bring a sense of purpose and balance into your life.
Take care of yourself physically – one of the best natural stress relievers is physical activity. You don’t have to be a professional bodybuilder to reap the benefits. A brisk walk (or jog) in the fresh air a few times a week has endless health benefits, including reducing stress. If you enjoy playing a sport, try doing it more often and begin to feel better from the cardio-based activity.
Think positively - Make an inventory of which areas of your life could use improvement, and which aspects bring joy and happiness. This way, you can figure out if there is a healthy balance, and what you need to work on. The happier you are, the less stressed you’ll be!
These are just a few of the many self-help techniques for managing stress levels that can be helpful. Stress-relieving benefits accumulate over time, so don’t become discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. It’s important to be proactive with your well-being so you can avoid the negative effects of unwanted stress, worry, and anxiety.
Irving Schattner is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health counselor in Delray Beach, Florida, with over 25 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families overcome real-life challenges with his private practice, the Counseling Center for Growth and Recovery. He also offers video and online therapy from the comfort of home, in addition to face-to-face sessions.