Stress can seem to come from everywhere—never-ending bills, demanding schedules, work, and family responsibilities—and that can make stress seem inescapable and uncontrollable. Stress management skills are designed to help a person find effective ways to master the most difficult situations and keep their physical and mental health intact.
Find the Cause
The first step in stress management is identifying what the "real" cause of your stress is. While this sounds fairly easy, many people don't really know that stress is NOT caused by outside events. If that were true, then everyone would have the same stress reaction to the same events. As a person learns to manage their stress reaction, they learn to cope more effectively and their ability to avoid stress gets better.
Strategies for Stress Management
Strategies for reducing and eliminating a stress response will include a combination of body, mind and spirit elements.. Some example might include, instead of watching TV or responding to texts in bed after work - take a walk, or read a book. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough quality sleep, will ease feelings of stress and help you relax. Finding out what works for you is an individualized process.
Make a conscious effort to set aside time for yourself and for relaxation. Alone time can be whatever you need it to be. Some people like doing activities such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation, but you can also treat yourself to something simple, like taking a bubble bath, listening to music, or watching a funny movie.
Finally, don’t feel like you have to solve your stress on your own. Reach out to your family and friends. Whether you need help with a problem or just need someone to listen, find a person who will be there to positively reinforce and support you.
Remember chronic stress is a serious health risk. If you find yourself experiencing chronic stress and it is effecting your physical, mental, emotional or interpersonal health, don't hestitate to get help from a qualified professional.
Here at Malec and Associates, we have a well-developed program that has been created to address chronic stress and anxiety. If you are interested, please contact us at 724-252- 4637 and make an appointment.