To overcome stress, it is essential to adopt healthy coping mechanisms and strategies that can help manage and reduce stress levels. There are multiple effective ways to help overcome stress, it is worth trying more than one approach to see what works for you.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine (as these can intensify stress). We all know these things help with productivity, your ability to cope and generally make us feel good, so it’s a good place to start!
Exercise regularly! Physical activity can help release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, or at least most days. If you can get into a habit of doing this, not only can it be used as a way to overcome stress, but also help reduce the amount of stress you feel from the offset.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Engage in activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, pilates or massage to calm your mind and body. The physical movements will help to promote flexibility, relieve tension, and manage pain.
Prioritise self-care. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, spending time in nature or with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies and travel.
Set boundaries and learn to say no to tasks or commitments that overwhelm you and prioritise your own wellbeing. You don’t need to say yes to every social invitation, work pressure or family request, so know it’s ok to look after yourself first.
Seek social support and talk to friends, family members, or a therapist about your feelings and concerns. Connecting with others can provide emotional support and perspective. This can also give you an outside view of your situation and provide you with different ways of thinking to combat any issues.
Practice time management by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritise your to-do list, and delegate when necessary and possible, to reduce feelings of overwhelm.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can effectively manage stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Remember that overcoming stress is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself and prioritise self-care looking after number one.
Blog by Steffi Simpson – Personal Trainer (Steffi Simpson PT)