Are you someone who has anxiety or has been feeling stressed out lately? Trust me; you aren’t alone in this! Stress is a natural phenomenon that everybody encounters at some point in their lives. It is no secret that we live in a fast-paced world with constantly changing dynamics where everyone is part of the rat race and has endless demands on their time, energy, and attention. Studies in the US show that 73% of people undergo stress, and almost 7 in 10 adults experience additional health implications due to stress. Moreover, Colorado ranks at the bottom regarding mental health, with Denver having 1 in every 8 of its residents suffering from depression, which is quite alarming.
Whether it’s fulfilling your material desires, family responsibilities, personal challenges, or in many instances, childhood trauma, everyone is dealing with the stress of one thing or another. Read on to learn tips for managing stress and overcoming this abysmal pit of distressing thoughts.
- Seek Help
Keeping things to yourself is never helpful. If you feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster and find it hard to maintain your emotional stability, you should seek help from a mental health expert. It’s important to prioritize your mental health, especially if you live in a city like Denver, with a high ratio of residents suffering from stress and depression. With the rising awareness and advocacy for mental wellness, seeking help or visiting a psychologist is no longer frowned upon but a courageous step. It’s easy to find a mental health therapist in Denver, as according to Psychology Today, there are over 1200 licensed therapists in the city who specialize in various issues, including stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression.
If you want to deal with stress, you can contact a mental health professional trained in stress management or biofeedback techniques who can provide you with a safe and supportive environment and help you develop coping mechanisms to alleviate your stress. Many health professionals also provide behavioral therapy groups where people from the same demographics or going through similar challenges can come together and receive support from each other in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
- Learn About Your Triggers
You must know your triggers and stressors well to manage your stress levels and develop coping strategies. Triggers are actions that prompt a harsh reaction from you, such as anger, worry, or grief. Triggers can range from certain individuals to places or even some specific words. They trigger you because they remind you of some past trauma or grief. Once you’ve identified your triggers, you can take steps to avoid or reduce their impact. For instance, if social settings trigger your anxiety, you can limit yourself from attending large gatherings or find ways to manage your anxiety.
Another thing to remember is to not project your traumas and feelings onto others in stressful situations. It entails accepting responsibility for your feelings and refraining from lashing out at others when overwhelmed. Instead, improve your communication and problem-solving skills to identify and cope with your stressors.
- Have Some Me Time Daily
Me time refers to some time spent alone with yourself without any disturbances. You should take time for yourself regularly for self-reflection and practicing mindfulness. It is easy to become absorbed in your responsibilities and work life and neglect your emotional and mental health. This me time serves as a pause and helps you refresh and rejuvenate your spirit and energy.
This period also acts as a vacation from the daily grind of life, allowing you to pause and appreciate the current moment. Me time can be as easy as walking in nature or setting aside a few minutes to meditate and practice mindfulness. Remember the Chinese proverb, “Tension is who you think you should be, and relaxation is who you are.” Prioritizing yourself and your needs is critical to preserve your mental and emotional wellness. It all begins within you, and only you have the power to break the cycle of tension and anxiety.
- Hit the Gym
The gym can be a highly effective stress management tool. When you’re at the gym, you’re thoroughly engrossed in your workout, and your energy and attention are directed toward your exercise routine. Whether you are lifting weights, sprinting on a treadmill, or performing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the physical demands of the activity can be both challenging and energizing.
During a workout, your body releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that boost your mood and reduce feelings of tension and anxiety. Endorphins are referred to as “feel-good” compounds because they induce euphoria and a sense of well-being. It can help you feel more optimistic, energized, and confident in facing life’s challenges.
Working out also provides a beneficial outlet for negative emotions, aiding stress management. Instead of adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms such as binge eating, substance abuse, or self-harm, going to the gym can be a healthy way to release tension and frustration. You experience a sense of relief when you push your body to its limits and let go of pent-up emotions and destructive thoughts.
- Avoid Overthinking
Overthinking is the biggest waste of human energy and causes unnecessary stress and anxiety. It is essential to master the discipline of letting go and not allowing your thoughts to consume you. One of the most effective methods to prevent excessive thinking is to engage in activities that keep you occupied and distracted. Exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones, discovering something you enjoy helps you forget about your problems.
It can also be helpful to divide your situations into two parts: those you can control and those you can’t. For the situations that you can control, devise an action plan to address them. And for the situations you can’t control, try to accept them for what they are and let go of any worry or anxiety you may feel. It is easier said than done but think from the perspective that worrying today will not ease tomorrow’s problems; instead, it will deprive you of today’s peace too.
Key Takeaways
Stress is inevitable. However, learning about your stressors and dealing with them in healthy ways is paramount, as neglecting stress can lead to burnout. It can be quite debilitating for your overall wellness and productivity. That being said, about all the negative impacts of tension, the major question is how to live a stress-free and happy life or, at the very least, minimize stress from your life. Following the tips mentioned above into your daily routine will help you let go of negative thoughts and enjoy the present moment.
