Stress Less – 6 Ways to Manage the Pressures of Everyday Life

Stress triggers are more prevalent than ever with the rise of social media, increased work pressures, and Covid-19 being an overwhelming presence among the pressures of everyday life. One in three Americans confess to living with extreme stress, and the figures are still set to rise. Managing stress is essential, otherwise, you run the risk of letting tensions overtake your life. Stress symptoms can manifest not only mentally but also physically, causing an increase in eating disorders, cardiovascular disease, menstrual problems, and many more. Not to mention the mental health consequences such as anxiety, clinical depression, and even suicidal thoughts. 

Read on to discover how to manage your stress and live a more stable life. 

1. Recognize Your Temperament

Some people feel stress far quicker than others and can be bothered by an incident easier than their peers. Getting to grips with your personality type will make it easier to formulate a coping mechanism unique to you to help keep you cool, calm, and collected (or try to at least!). Once you understand the kind of person you are, you will be better equipped to deal with conflict stress. Tests such as the Myers Briggs will enlighten you to your personality type and you will have a better indicator of how you as an individual should manage your stress levels and keep control of difficult situations. 

2. Understand Your Triggers

Once you know your personality type, you’ll need to identify your triggers. Finding out what makes you tick is key to managing stress. Often suffers feel as though they are losing control and their life is becoming too much. If you can decipher what triggers the strain in your life, then you will find it easier to overcome the anxiety. 

It’s important to remember that not all triggers are permanent. Some are temporary such as a big life change like a new job or home. These are easier to manage as you know there is an end date eventually. Some triggers can feel insurmountable if they are out of your control. These can be a family illness or the end of a relationship that leaves you feeling like you’re about to tip over the edge of reason. Following the next few steps will help ease the tension you feel. 

3. Take Some Time Off from Technology

Social media and digital living can be triggers all on their own. Taking some time away from your phone to focus on hobbies that you love can be so refreshing and help you press reset on your stress. Often, we can get into a where we hold our own living standards to those that we see on a screen. It’s easy to lose sight of what is real, so setting down our devices and spending time on what we enjoy is important. 

4. Keep Your Lines of Communication Open

The phrase ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ may sound corny but the sentiment is true. Speaking to your family and friends about your emotional wellbeing is important. They will not only comfort you but may be able to offer you a few words of wisdom. If your stress relates to work, it is worth speaking with a supervisor or manager about how you are feeling. 

5. Practice Self Care

Taking proper care of your mental and physical welfare is imperative. Stress suffers often let their health slip quickly as it becomes less of a priority. This is the opposite of what you should be doing. Take the time to look after yourself so that you can look after whatever issues are causing you anxiety. 

As mentioned already in this article, the physical consequences of being overstressed can be huge, and adding illnesses to your stress will only make matters worse. Spend some time indulging in what makes you happy for some light relief. It can be a hobby, a relaxing bath, or just spending time with loved ones. Hitting the gym or getting in a good dose of exercise can be revolutionary when suffering from stress. Exercise is proven to be a mood booster and you’ll be reducing the risk of stress-induced sickness. We promise you’ll feel a little better for it!  

pressures of everyday life

6. Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself!

Often the stress that we put on ourselves is the greatest stress of all. Having an unrealistic expectation of yourself and comparing yourself to others can be so damaging to your mental health.  Would you speak to your partner or your children the way you speak to yourself? It’s unlikely. Try and be a little kinder to yourself and your stress will reduce. 

Do you have any tips for managing stress that has worked well for you? Share in the comments to inspire others!

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