7 Ways to Manage Stress
Stress is an inevitable part of life. No matter what we may try to do to lessen or prevent stress, it clings to us, never leaving, always lurking in the background. The key to stress is learning that no matter what we do or try, there will always be stress. Learning to manage stress, to make it work for us is the key.
Lessen Your Chances of Stress Appearing
Using stress as a tool will result in incredible growth and inner peace. Stress can be a great thing when used correctly. When learning to manage stress, the first step is asking yourself, what areas can you reduce stress in?
For example, if you spent an hour each weekend meal planning and grocery shopping would this lessen your daily evening stress? Would creating a budget and sticking to it lessen stress? Would creating and implementing routines and habits help? Look at an average day or week. What changes could you make that would either remove stress or lessen the stress you experience?
No day will ever be perfect, but the more we can do to make life easier, the better. For example, there is something about Mondays that no matter how I plan, I am always behind and exhausted. Even working a job I love! I learned years ago that if I cook an extra-large dinner on Sunday, my family could enjoy leftovers Monday night. This one, simple change has improved my entire outlook on Mondays. Instead of dreading the end-of-day rush, not wanting to cook and clean, I am excited about the leftovers. Sometimes, the excitement encourages me to do something creative with the food. My daughter laughs at my happiness, but I noticed, she enjoys the simpler meal time too.
Another change I made, was assigning certain chores to certain days. Now I don’t have to wonder when was the last time I vacuumed, or stress over needing to get chores done. By scheduling chores, I was able to avoid Mondays, because why not, and schedule household chores for days I don’t meet with clients. As odd as this may sound, I enjoy the breaks in work to vacuum. Some days I spread my chores out over the entire day to give myself several breaks from work. When we create routines designed to complement our lives, the small tasks we once hated and stressed us out now can become moments of joy.
Always have a plan and a backup plan
Accepting that life happens, knowing that our best-laid plans could be wiped out in one moment, allows us to have a plan and a contingency plan. Either my daughter or I cook dinner and make lunches every evening. This has been our routine for over 18 years. Yet, some days, meetings run long, there are unexpected emails and calls, or a headache creeps in. On these days, we have learned to scrap our dinner plans and eat a backup meal. Years ago, I developed an arsenal of what we call back up meals. These are items we always have in the house, enjoy eating and can get a hot meal on the table in less than 15 minutes. I cannot tell you how many times these backup meals have saved our bacon.
Another trick we use is to make sure we have enough underwear and socks for 15 days. Life has shown us that sometimes it is simply not possible to get laundry done as often as we would like. Rather than adding to our stress, we just adapt. In moments of extreme stress, knowing you have enough clean underwear to weather the storm can be a much-needed silver lining.
Any plans and backup plans you can create now to help navigate stress will greatly reduce your stress overall. And, an added bonus, these plans give you the cushion needed for spontaneity or a much-needed easy moment or break. There have been more than one Friday evening when my daughter and I were too tired to cook or go out. On these evenings, we would pick a backup meal, put on our favorite PJs and relax.
Stop overextending yourself
Perhaps the biggest cause of stress is overcommitment. No matter how much we may want to do something, be involved, or volunteer, we have to understand there are only so many hours in our days. Managing our time well means not overcommitting. Before we can say no, we need to understand what is on our calendar, what we are responsible for, and if there is any room for new or additional responsibilities. Make sure to schedule time to relax and for self-care before adding any new commitments.
Once you have these boundaries in place, it will be much easier for you to know what you can and can’t add. Sometimes an opportunity presents itself that for numerous really good reasons, we cannot say no to, even though our plate is full. In these moments, ask how you can support without being directly involved. For example, I have a friend who plans much-needed parties and events for our local veterans. I often cannot add one more thing to my plate, but want to support my friend and our veterans. In these moments, I will ask what I can donate, or plan to help at the event, but not be a part of the planning committee. Other times I have cut things out or folded brochures while watching television. If you use a bit of creativity, you can be a part of important events without overextending yourself.
Getting enough rest
This may sound silly, but stress will not affect you nearly as much if you are getting enough sleep. Exhaustion can make the simplest challenge look like a mountain. When you find yourself in a situation where exhaustion has taken hold, and stress is pressing you into a corner, stop, analyze the situation and ask yourself if you have to deal with it now. If not, put a pin in the stress and deal with it when you are not tired. If the answer is yes, deal with only as much as you have to in that moment. Sometimes a five-minute break, a short walk, or drinking a glass of water can make the issue look a lot more manageable.
Similar to rest, make sure you stay hydrated and eat well throughout the day. These three simple tricks can make your days infinitely better.
Take regular play breaks
No matter how old we are, we need to play. As adults, we forget this or think it is immature to kick back, laugh, and have a good time. I have learned to love playing with my dogs throughout the day. We laugh, run, play tug-of-war, sometimes, we dance. The point is, I can be goofy, burn some energy, and have a great time, throughout my workdays. These breaks with my dogs are great stress relievers.
Enjoy the little things
I love a good cup of coffee. On days that are insanely busy, stopping to make myself a special cup brightens the moment and can alleviate stress. Other days, an impromptu walk, a favorite snack, or a 15-minute break with my book all help make the days better. Find little things you can insert throughout your days that brighten your mood and ultimately help reduce stress.
Using stress
I need a certain amount of stress in my days or I cannot focus. If I know I have a week to get something done, I will find every reason to wait until the last minute. On the other hand, if I know I have a busy week, I will get the task done as soon as possible because I never know what my days will bring. I have three rescue dogs, two are elderly, and one is special needs. Top that off with a daughter in high school who works, and all the extras, my days can explode in two seconds. Knowing I need to plan for interruptions, sick pups, and an impromptu project or two, I use stress to my advantage. I tell myself to get as much done as possible because tomorrow will be crazy. Using stress to my advantage, I get more done, in less time, and know I will often end up with a free Friday afternoon.
Stress can be a great thing. But when we don’t manage it, it can slowly take over our lives. Learn to manage your stress and watch your days become more enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Sara O
