How to manage stress in a healthy way

How to manage stress in a healthy way

 
Stress isn't all bad, it's your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. It can keep you motivated and help you feel secure. But the balance is fragile. When you have too much on your hands, you can quickly feel overwhelmed. Learning to manage your stress can help improve your health and well-being.

Managing your stress can improve your productivity and your physical health! You will also feel more relaxed and feel like you are in control of your body.

Here are tips from the Canadian Mental Health Association and Heart & Stroke to help you stay calm in the face of stress.

Keep calm and find the problem

The first step in overcoming your stress is learning to recognize your stressful state and identify its triggers. Here are some possible sources of stress:

Mid-term or end-of-term exams
Interpersonal relationships
Health problems
Financial worries
Beneath the superficial problems sometimes lie deeper ones. The sooner you find what is really bothering you, the sooner you can deal with it. This form of self-knowledge can help you surpass yourself!

Simplify your life

You may be juggling too many things in both your personal and professional life. Or maybe you have too many extracurricular activities. It's never easy to say no, but when you try to meet everyone's needs, you risk forgetting yours. If so, take a step back and make some time for yourself.

Find inner peace

When looking for the source of your stress, it is also advisable to practice self-acceptance and relaxation techniques. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are great ways to calm your mind; they allow you to approach your problems with clear ideas. Over time, they can also help you improve the way you deal with stressful situations.

Get physical activity

Get moving! Physical activity is not only great for your health, it is also good for your mood and stress! Exercising frees your mind, increases your energy level, and lowers tension. Your business doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. You can play tennis, take a walk in your neighborhood: the important thing is to move.

Keep your mind busy

You can deal with stress more easily when you prevent negative thoughts from overwhelming you. If your mind is spinning, try to keep yourself occupied by doing things that you enjoy. Find a hobby or start a project you have in mind. Setting and achieving your goals can be a powerful motivator. And don't forget to use the SMART method to get there:

Specific

Pick a specific goal. It is advisable to detail it as much as possible.

Measurable

Make sure you have a clear, measurable goal. Create a list and set a timeline to stay the course!

Attainable

Set a goal within your reach. If you choose one that is too hard to hit, you increase your chances of failing before you even start.

Realistic

Your goal should motivate you and spark your commitment.

Temporally defined

Set a specific and realistic timeline to achieve your goal.

Reduce the tension

Over time, you will understand what kinds of situations stress you out, and you will find your own ways to overcome them. By making small changes and staying positive, you can improve your reaction to stressful situations and start living a healthier lifestyle.