How to Cope with Stress

Stress can be quite an irritating thing that many of us wish we didn’t have to deal with at all.  So many things can cause stress; and then stress can cause problems of it’s own!  It’s a vicious thing, and a cycle can occur if you’re not careful.  Aside from knowing and understand yourself, there are ways to help deal with stress.  Keep in mind though, if you feel your stress if really having an impact on your life, you should seek your doctor and consider therapy, or maybe even medication. 

To cope with stress DURING a stressful situation:

• Excuse yourself.  If you’re in a stressful situation, stepping away for a few moments to be alone can be a great help.  You can gather your thoughts and compose yourself.  Let’s say you’re at an important dinner and are feeling some stress from having to make a good impression.  If you find yourself getting stressed from this, politely excuse yourself from the table.  Go to the bathroom or step outside for some air.  Think to yourself that this will be over; it’s not forever.  Keep in mind that you know you can keep it together and put your best self forward to make the impression.  Personally, I find that keeping in mind that this will only be a certain amount of time helps greatly.  I figure I can deal with my stress later, and I’ll really focus on the fact that this thing I’m dealing with is important.  I try to weigh the good and the bad; if I blow this and show my stress/timidness, I cannot fix that impression and will always be uncomfortable around these people.  If it goes badly, whenever I see them, or have to do something similar, this situation will be in my mind!  If I do well though, then later on I can feel more at ease to act like myself without so much effort.

• Breath.  Think about how your breathing and try to focus on that for a few moments.  You may want to step away to do this, but you don’t have to.  Take a minute to two to try and slow down and get to a regular, calm pace. 
• Drink water.  This helps regulate your breathing more than you may realize, also.  Some sips of something cool can help.  While many people feel alcohol calms them down, you should not turn to that if you’re situation is something of importance (meeting your significant others family, or a work meeting are good examples).

To cope with stress in general, not during a stressful situation, do things you like that are relaxing.  This will vary for people as everyone is different but here are some ideas:

• Listen to music

• Walk your/a dog

• Go for a walk alone, or with a friend

• Watch a movie you enjoy

• Talk to a friend/family member about your stress

• Go out for a meal or movie, or something similar; treat yourself. 

• Take a hot shower or bath

• Write

• Read

• Clean (believe it or not it helps some folks relax!)

• Go for a drive

• Bake or cook something you enjoy

There are tons of things you can do to help curb your stress.  Importantly, remember what works for you.  There are many tips out there that may try to make you believe work for everyone.  This is not true, it’s about trial and error!  If your stress if that bad, it’s worth a try!