15 Stress management techniques-part-1
What happens when you run continuously without taking any rest? The answer is quite simple, we’ll reach physical failure. Likewise, the human brain too if does not take a breather from stress, then mental fatigue will come. You might be under the notion that it is manageable but the reality is far more painful. In this blog, we shall discuss the key stress management techniques that you can incorporate in your life.
What Is Stress Management?
Stress management refers to a set of activities, physical or mental, that aims to reduce the stress levels in the body by identifying stress factors and reducing them. It is virtually impossible to eradicate stress but its impacts can be reduced. With this intention, stress management techniques have come into existence.
Stress Management Techniques
1.Meditation
We know that meditation helps us to find inner peace and gain a new perspective in life. What many don’t know is that it acts as a solid stress management technique. Find yourself at least 30 minutes a day where you can meditate. As you get the hang of it, you’ll realize its benefits and feel your productivity levels soaring too.
2. Explore the world
Most of the stress comes from internal factors like work, study, and household activities. Make time for yourself by doing some outdoor activities. For instance, you can go on a hike or just visit the nearby lake or pond. Spending some time in nature relaxes your mind and body. It may not remove the stress but it will give you the strength to overcome it.
3. Are you getting enough sleep?
There are days when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Not only do we feel lethargic, but the daily stress multiplies by tenfold during such times. This case is more prevalent when you don’t get enough sleep. Sleeping relaxes the mind and body and provides strength to tackle the problem. It is an overlooked stress management technique.
4. Take the help of a professional
If you feel that stress is eating you from the inside, then the best solution is to visit a professional. Seeking mental health care is often frowned upon but don’t let the stereotypes get to you. Mental health is as important as physical health and it should be your priority to maintain it.
5. Take up a hobby
When was the last time you spend some time on a hobby? If you don’t remember, then we advise you to take up a hobby immediately. Hobbies are great stress management devices that not only remove stress but promote creativity too. The type of hobby that you can take on is limitless. Who knows, you might even build a career out of it.
6. Take a break after performing activities
The human brain can focus for approximately 30 minutes. More than that and the mind starts to wander. Although we can train ourselves to focus for longer durations, eventually, we’ll hit a brick wall. To prevent that from happening, we advise you to take at least 10 minutes break after working. It will help you to perform better and reduce unwarranted stress.
7. Stand up to the stress factors
If certain things that are causing you to stress are approachable, then why not approach it? As an illustration, if your boss is making you work odd hours and that’s causing stress, then approach your boss. It makes total sense to approach the stress-causing factors and negate them. This is an overlooked stress management technique that has huge benefits.
8. Arrange your things
When we are in stress, even simple things tend to multiply our stress. As an example, the sink full of dishes, the messy bed, and the messy study table will magnify your stress. So, it is important to arrange your stuff once you finish the task. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and make your day better.
9. Unplug from electronic devices
Throughout the day, we are bombarded with tweets, messages, and notifications. I understand that they are crucial in sustaining a living but it is equally important to stay away from them. Separate an hour daily where you’ll spend some time alone without being bothered by electronics. Once you do it, you’ll realize that it is an excellent stress management technique.
10. Create a mental picture of your goals
In some cases, stress occurs due to being unable to achieve one’s goals. If you feel that your stress stems from that, then you need to first visualize your goals. Secondly, you need to take appropriate steps in making your goals a reality. Stress occurs when our expectations do not match with reality. So, while formulating a goal, make sure that it is specific, measurable, achievable, and time-specific.
11. Indulge in exercise
Exercise is the most preferred way of stress management. Taking part in any physical activity helps you to release the stress that has been built up within you. You can practice any sort of exercise like hitting the gym or playing any sport. It is better that you exercise at least 3-4 times a week. Exercising will not only keep your stress levels in check, but it will also lead to your greater physical being too.
12. Prepare a journal
If you don’t have the habit of penning your activities in the paper, then now is a great time to start. When you express your feelings, then you can decrease your stress levels. Writing in a paper does just that. Also, having a journal provides you ample time to reflect on yourself.
13. Talk with a friend
When we keep things to ourselves, we are placing a huge load on ourselves. The more you talk about your problems with a loved one or friend, you can feel the stress dropping. Sometimes, having a hearing ear is the solution you need. This stress management technique works wonders on many levels. The next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, be sure to talk with your friend first!
14. Embrace some aspects of stress
Rather than picturing stress as some sort of demon, you can think of it as a constant companion in life. However, distinguishing it as a small ant or a huge elephant depends on you. If you picture it as an ant, then there won’t be many problems. But as an elephant, it creates a whole set of problems. In this technique, we acknowledge that stress will always be there in our lives and we do the necessary steps to reduce it and live with it.
15. Reading
The final step in the stress management technique is reading. No, we don’t mean that you have to read bulky books. Read some novels depending on your choice. When you develop a habit of reading, you’ll be much mature and resilient. Also, you won’t have time to stress as you’ll be engrossed in books.
Read more 15 methods of stress management techniques part 2 here