Stress Management Methods: How to Cut Through the Chaos
It is easy to get overwhelmed. Pressures from work, family, relationships, and finances get extreme at times and your mind needs to find some sense of order and relief. But how? How do you take control of the chaos bombarding your peace of mind? Here are some suggestions for stress management at work and at home that encourage a happy, healthy, and confident lifestyle.
Stress Management at Work
Different work situations present a variety of stressors. You may have a manager who sets unreachable deadlines or a coworker with a terrible temper. No matter what causes stress in your work environment, if you follow these steps outlined by the Global Psychological Alliance (GPA), you protect your mental well-being at work.
According to the GPA guide, the steps are:
Define the Problem. What or who is causing your stress? What problem are you facing that is a stress-inducer? For example, you may feel stressed when your manager gives you a deadline you don’t think is attainable.
Write Down 3 Solutions. What 3 solutions are possible that are in your control? For example, you could:
Ask for an extension.
Seek help from a coworker.
Do what you can in the time allotted.
Choose a Solution. What solution is the most reasonable? Make the best choice with the information at hand.
Try it! Did it help? If your solution worked - fantastic! If it didn’t try another one on your list.
Stress can be paralyzing. It can steal your motivation and your productivity. But if you follow the steps in this guide, you take control of your thought process and decision-making ability. You transform a stressful problem into a successful project.
Stress Management Strategies at Home
Home life brings many stressors. Keeping your house clean, paying bills on time, and having healthy relationships are just a few responsibilities that demand attention, and when they are not given the time they need, chaos takes over. Hundreds of articles and studies have focused on stress and how it affects our home life. But you already know how it affects you - now you are looking for practical ways through it. Here are 4 stress management strategies you can put to work today.
“Social Connectedness”. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that when people are socially connected, they are better able to deal with stress. You feel valued and supported, and have a sense of belonging when you connect socially with family and friends. But how can you evoke these feelings? Some strategies include:
Nurture relationships to have more than one support person.
Access a safe gathering place, such as a park.
Participate in regular social exchanges.
“Mindful Eating”. According to an article from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, mindful eating focuses on the experience of the meal and making good food choices, which increases enjoyment and decreases stress levels. This article also claims it is important to eat a balanced diet so your immune system is healthy enough to cope with stressors
“Slow Breathing Techniques”. Dr. Jack Feldman of UCLA says that slow breathing techniques can have a positive effect on emotions and can reduce stress. You can do this at home, at work, or even in the car.
“Exercise and Stress Relief”. It might not be easy to fit regular exercise into your routine, but when you get stressed, exercising is a great strategy for stress management. According to the Mayo Clinic, the negative effects of stress on your body are reduced during exercises, and your mood is improved.
These stress management strategies don’t put an end to your financial worries or fix your relationship with your teenage daughter, but they can help you deal with the stress created by the situations. Also, these tips aren’t the only strategies to try. Remember to get lots of rest and hydrate every day. Reach out to friends and do something fun at least once a week. Follow your heart to the place where you are valued and supported.
In Conclusion
A stressful world is a chaotic one, but you don’t have to live there. You can use these stress management methods to create a better environment at work or at home. For more ideas on how to live a happy, healthy, and confident life, please visit my website at www.StephanieMariesCoaching.com.