Are you waking up feeling stressed? Guilty of rolling through life like a giant stress ball? You may even feel it with a side of anger, anxiety, overwhelm, or frustration creeping in. It’s important that regardless of which feeling stress is causing, you learn the best tips to help you navigate and manage it on a daily basis.
Let’s identify some of the most common stressors and how to best handle that feeling of tension.
What Could be Causing Stress?
You may consider stress to be only caused by negative factors, but think about all the good things that happen in life where you still find yourself stressed.
It could be stemming from changes in your life, like a work promotion or losing your job. It could even be the simple fact that you aren’t leaving your desk all day long because of a project you recently accepted.
What about when you have a new baby, purchase a home, or get married? These are all known as exciting moments in life but also lead to changes that result in stress.
You aren’t the only one that’s sleep is being affected by stressors keeping you up at night(1). The risk here is that you get caught in a cycle where you’re never fully recovered or able to be productive during the day due to a lack of sleep.
So, regardless of where your stress is stemming from, it is often like a snowball, it can keep building and cause damage to your sleep, overall wellness, quality of life, workout performance, relationships, confidence and so much more.
5 Tips for Managing Stress
Book a Workout Class
Workout classes are really beneficial for managing stress. Prior to entering a class, you may feel like your world is falling apart and then only 40 minutes later, you feel absolutely incredible and like you can conquer the world. If you’ve never experienced this it’s worth a shot!
There’s even research backing the fact that a 20-30 minute session can provide a feeling of calmness for multiple hours following(2)! Working out can affect the levels of dopamine and serotonin in our brain which helps improve our mood.
Anybody else convinced they should enroll in a boxing or high-intensity training class?
Schedule Time With a Friend
Pull out your calendar and block off a set time each week or month where you can spend time with a friend or loved one. We all need interaction with others, it can comfort us and be a reminder that we aren’t doing everything alone.
When’s the last time you called your best friend or had a night out with a group of friends? Life can get busy and time can slip away, so make sure you designate time specifically for this! There’s not a better cure for stress than time spent with loved ones.
We all need a “phone a friend” list handy for those moments when we need some additional support and encouragement.
Make Room for Some Work-Life Balance
Remote work settings have steadily increased over recent years which has led to blurred lines for many. You may have previously enjoyed a podcast on your way to work or music on your way home, this was what switched you from work to home.
Now, you are rolling over in bed to check emails and find yourself still at your desk at 8 pm wrapping up work. Make sure you are setting clear boundaries for yourself and finding a healthy work-life balance to help manage stress.
Also, don’t hesitate to pass on the next project that’s offered your way.
Practice Mindfulness
How many decisions did you make today? You may not even be aware of what you did today and find yourself going through the motions. It’s important to take a step back, breathe and truly be mindful.
Are there decisions you are making that may be causing you stress? There are always simple changes we can make on a daily basis that lead to less stress.
For an easy example, consider your lunch choices. Are you opting for a nourishing meal to help energize you during the day or are you ordering food for delivery to eat at the desk that leaves you feeling sluggish?
You can also take ten minutes out of your day to practice meditation. This will help you focus on the present moment, remove distractions, and naturally improve your body’s response to stressors.
Eat a Well Balanced Diet
The food that we consume on a daily basis can impact our overall health, performance, and even our mood. Although, after a long day you may want to stress eat, there are other options that will leave you feeling much better.
For example, try an evening beverage that provides adaptogens to help balance your physical and mental stress while simultaneously promoting rest! Just be sure to use a high-quality product, such as this recovery mushroom supplement from Naked Nutrition. Adaptogens can help manage the impact of stress on our bodies(3).
You can also eat a diet that’s rich in lean protein sources, whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. All of these foods provide various nutrients that your body needs to function properly.
Take the Next Step
Now that we’ve covered different stressors that you may be experiencing, you can identify them and make a plan to navigate them.
Of course not all stressors are something that you can predict, you’ll learn which techniques work best for you and apply them at different times in your life. Start out by doing something that seems easy to you and build onto it over time.
In addition to all of these tips, don’t forget that there are many resources for mental health. If you feel like your stress is hanging over you, it may be time to consult with a professional. There is never any reason to be ashamed or feel embarrassed for seeking help, the world needs you!
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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