For the people of the 21st century, stress is an integrated part of their lives. It is a “Silent Killer”, and in 2017, about 8.3 million American adults were reported to have experienced psychological distress and anxiety. Everyone around us is dealing with a certain level of stress and anxiety and it keeps leveling up if not balanced.
What is Stress Management?
If you put it simply, stress management is:
“Set of techniques and programs intended to help people deal more effectively with stress in their lives analyzing the specific stressors and taking positive actions to minimize their effects.”
Stress management is the crucial element in getting our lives better and our emotions under control. There are many ways one can control and manage stress and anxiety.
Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety:
Before working on strategies that can manage your stress and anxiety level, you need to identify the source and level of your tension. There is no magic wand to ward off stress. It is an active and on-going process that requires strategies and approached to work on.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is the most important thing that helps in reducing the stress. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, and go to bed early. Setting your sleep cycle can increase your mental stability.
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
To manage stress and anxiety, you need to balance your diet. Take at least three regular meals, and limit your use of coffee, soft drinks, and fast food. Try to eat healthy food, and cut alcohol as well.
Take Regular Exercises
Exercising every day will not only keep your physically fit and healthy but also control your stress hormones. It will balance your state of mind, and keep you relaxed. As Walter Anderson has said;
“Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.”
Manage your Time
Many people deal with stress while working and approaching excessive deadlines. You need to manage your time to get your work done. Office and work stress is also the most common among people as they keep hoarding work until there is no time limit. Do not fall into the trap of; “People work best under pressure.”
Set Boundaries for Yourself
Setting boundaries will allow you to set proper internal rules for yourselves that will balance your state of mind. This way, you can outline what behaviors you will and won’t accept, how much time and space we need for ourselves, and limit the interaction with people that only brings stress and anxiety in life.
“Smile, breathe, and go slowly.”
