Stress is something that all people experience, whether a child or an adult. We tend to drive ourselves crazy by worrying about things we can and cannot control. With all the problems that get thrown our way on a daily basis, it’s natural to see why so many of us struggle with anxiety. While stress may be an unavoidable experience, there are ways to combat it directly in order to bring some stability and peace into our lives. Here are some tips on managing stress:
1. Lots of Social Interaction
We all need to feel that we are loved and cared for at the end of a chaotic day full of stress. What better way to fulfill this feeling than by turning to family and friends to remind us that we are not alone? The support of loved ones empowers people to tackle the problems at hand and lets them know that they have someone that is always ready to help. Conversing or spending time with family and friends is also a good way to distract yourself from anything that is bothering you and give you some time off from your troubles.
2. Keep a Diary
It has never been a good thing to keep one’s feelings bottled up inside. Negative thoughts need to be released and let go of, to give way to positive and useful thoughts. Writing down your feelings in a diary will help take that heavy burden off your chest. By putting down your innermost thoughts on paper, you’ll be able to identify the cause of your problems and find an effective way to solve them.
3. Breathing Exercises
Anytime you feel a panic attack coming on, stop and try to focus on your breathing. By fully diverting your attention to breathing, you’ll be blocking out all other thoughts which are troubling to you. Try counting to a certain number of your choosing as you breathe in and as you breathe out. Keep doing this until you feel calmer. Focusing on breathing exercises will help distract you from the stressful feelings and thoughts that were building up inside.
4. Do Something that You Love
Whether you enjoy watching movies, exercising, listening to music, or reading a book, practice turning to your favorite hobby each time you feel overwhelmed. Negative emotions can be balanced out by positive emotions. Doing something that makes you happy will help you forget about your problems, even if it’s just for a while, and reduce the stress in your life. It’s important to find time to focus on things that you enjoy to give you a break from your day-to-day work.