Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how we deal with it can make all the difference. In this blog, we share a stress management techniques list to help you handle stress and lead a more productive life.
Ways To Handle Stress
Identify Your Stress Triggers
Understanding what triggers your stress is the first step towards managing it.
Triggers are unique to everyone and can sometimes be a situation happening in the present, such as traffic or your coworker’s unusually heavy breathing (YIKES!). They can also be traced back to events, people, or places from our past, like accidents, issues with family members, or small spaces.
By recognizing these triggers, you can proactively work on your stress control.
Get Organized
You probably have already watched Marie Kondo’s “Tidying Up” on Netflix and may be thinking, “Well, that’s a little too extreme for me”—and that certainly may be the case.
But being organized is not just about your physical space but also about time management. Studies have shown that being more organized can lead to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Here's how you can achieve this:
Declutter and Assign a ‘Home’
Start small by decluttering one area at a time. Sort your belongings into two piles: keep and trash. Items that hold sentimental value or are used frequently should be kept, while the rest can be discarded. For the items you decide to keep, make sure each one has a designated "home" that is easily accessible.
You can repeat this process area by area until you have organized your entire space. (It will feel so good once it's done—trust me!)
Create a To-Do List
Many of us have busy lives and a long list of things to accomplish every day. Without an organized list to refer to, it can seem daunting.
To make things easier, try creating a list the night before so that you wake up prepared to tackle it. Start with the hardest or most important tasks to keep yourself motivated and moving forward. After completing each task, check it off your list.
This creates a sense of accomplishment that reinforces your hard work and keeps you going, making it a good coping strategy for stress.
Set SMART Goals
Setting Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals is crucial for effectively handling stress. It helps you focus on achievable objectives and track your progress.
Here's how you can make your goals SMART:
Specific: Break down your goals into smaller, practical steps. And no matter what it is, the goal should be clearly articulated; define what will be accomplished and the actions to be taken to accomplish it.
Measurable: Quantify your goals to stay committed. To say you are going to do something this week is different than saying you will do something three times a week for 30 minutes.
Attainable: Be realistic in setting your goals. Having big aspirations is good, but you may want to break them down into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Doing this is a good way to handle stress.
Relevant: Rather than setting goals as a mere exercise for the sake of doing it, prioritize your objectives to save time and move closer to your goals.
Time-bound: Establish deadlines to stay on track and manage your time effectively. Determine if your goal is immediate, short-term, medium-term, or long-term. Having a specific allotment of time also makes it easier to plan and account for the time needed to focus on that goal. Moreover, it’s also a good stress management strategy.
Unplug and Practice Mindfulness
In the digital age, constant connectivity can be a major source of stress. Although scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat—and the list goes on—to see what your friends or favorite celebrity are up to seems like a good idea at the time, the time spent doing that could be put towards more productive tasks.
Take time to unplug from technology and practice mindfulness to regain focus. Dedicate ten minutes in the morning and/or before bed to relax and reflect. Mindfulness can significantly control stress and enhance your overall well-being.
Acceptance and Commitment
Embracing the principles of acceptance and commitment is another powerful stress management strategy.
Accept what you cannot change and focus on taking positive actions where you have control. This mindset shift empowers you to concentrate on improving your situation rather than dwelling on uncontrollable factors.
Final Thoughts on Coping Strategies for Stress
Experiencing stress is a common aspect of being human, and it can be a motivating factor in accomplishing tasks. Even high levels of stress resulting from serious illness, job loss, or other painful life events, such as death, can be a natural part of life.
It is normal to feel down during such times. Incorporate the stress prevention strategies discussed in this blog into your daily routine and set yourself up for a more relaxed and balanced life.
But if feelings of anxiety persist for several weeks or start to negatively impact your home or work life, it is advisable to consult a professional. There are several strategies, such as therapy, medication, and other stress interventions, that can help manage these feelings.
At Weston Family Psychology, we make sure to keep up with the latest advancements in psychotherapy to provide the best possible care for our clients. If you require professional guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out today at (954) 906-6156 or intake-coordinator@westonfamilypsychology.com.