How to Deal with Stress
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Managing stress is not just about relaxation; it's about understanding the mechanisms behind your nervous system's response and taking actionable steps to regain control.
Identify the sources of stress
Managing stress starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. It's not as simple as it may seem.
Major vs. Chronic Stressors
While major stressors such as changing jobs, moving, or divorce may be easy to identify, sources of chronic stress can be more complex. It's all too easy to overlook how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute to increased stress levels.
Let go of unhealthy coping mechanisms
Many of us experience such high levels of stress that we resort to unhealthy and unproductive ways to cope with it.
Many of these ineffective strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but in the long run, they cause even more harm.
Unproductive Strategies
This includes smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and other temporary fixes that damage long-term health.
Provides only temporary relief while damaging your health
Excessive consumption creates more problems than it solves
Ignoring problems only makes them worse over time
Practice stress management
While stress is an automatic response of your nervous system, some stress factors occur at predictable times.
Change Situation or Reaction
When dealing with predictable stressors (commuting, meetings, family gatherings), you have two powers: either change the situation or change your reaction to it.
Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or practice mindful breathing
Prepare thoroughly and practice relaxation techniques beforehand
Set boundaries and plan breaks when needed