12 Instant Stress Busters
Money, job, family – although they can be good for your well-being, they are also the leading causes of stress for Americans. And when you're under stress, your body pays for it.
Whether stress is brought on by high-pressure events, such as a tight deadline at work, or life-threatening situations, such as a car wreck, it causes your body to instinctively protect itself. Identify your stressors with our assessment.
For short durations, the stress response can help you deal with difficult events. Once they are over, your hormone levels return to normal. However, if stressful situations come one after the other, your body has no chance to recover, and that’s when you get sick and/or overwhelmed. Although you may not to be able to control all the stressors in your life, you can minimize their effects with these tips.
Stress-Busting Tips
Wouldn't it be nice if you could combat stress with an instant natural “Chill Pill?” You can achieve the same effect with these stress busting tips and learning how to avoid the event or thing that leads to your stress. If you can't eliminate the trigger, change how you react to it:
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Don't worry about things you can't control, like someone else's behavior.
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Take decisive action. Decide to address the underlying causes of situations that you can control.
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Prepare to the best of your ability for events you know may be stressful, like a job interview.
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Set limits. Remind yourself that it is OK to say no. You can't make everyone happy all the time. When you're not committing to obligations you can't or don't want to carry out, you'll have more time and energy for things that really matter to you.
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Look at change as a positive challenge, not a threat. Step back from the situation and ask yourself which part is troubling you the most. If the worst happens, is it really all that bad? Is your reaction out of proportion?
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Work to resolve conflicts with others. Once the conflict is gone, much of the stress may be, too.
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Look at your lifestyle. Some factors can multiply the effects of stress, such as drinking too much caffeine and/or alcohol, smoking, eating poorly, getting too little sleep and not exercising regularly.
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Set realistic goals. Take small concrete steps to deal with tasks instead of overwhelming yourself with goals that are too far-reaching for busy times.
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Make time for things you enjoy. Get away from your daily stresses with group sports, social events, hobbies or other activities that make you happy.
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Exercise and eat a balanced diet. Exercise is a great distracter, releases your nervous energy, helps boost the immune system and improve sleep. A balanced diet ensures that your body gets the nutrients it needs to fight off disease as well as helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Learn to relax with these relaxation techniques that really work.
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Talk it out. Sharing your feelings may go a long way toward reducing tension and resolving conflicts. Asking for help can also work wonders. If family members and friends aren't equipped or willing to help, seek professional aid.
Seeking Professional Help
If stress is getting the better of you or you fear its long-term effects, don't hesitate to seek help. Licensed, qualified mental health professionals can help you address the causes of your distress and teach you ways to handle them. You may not find a quick or permanent fix, but in time, you'll be able to recognize the signs that pressure is building and learn the best ways to lighten the load.
