How to Deal With Stress Like A Pro
Written by Ashley Sotelo
How do you react every time you face a difficult situation? Human psychology says that no matter what your response may be, your reaction would always fall under one of three main categorical responses—fight, flight, or freeze. Your brain determines which course of action you take, basing such decision on its assessment of the level of threat that a situation poses.
In some cases, your brain decides that you have what it takes to face a threat and, therefore, decides to face the threat head-on. In other instances, your brain assesses that you lack the resources to address the threat and decides to take flight. Or your brain may decide to do nothing and just ‘freeze', so to speak.
Your response can lead you to either good or bad outcomes, which is why you need to take seriously into consideration how well you handle each stress that comes along in your life.
The paragraphs below will provide you with some expert tips on stress management.
Tip Number 1: Do away with unnecessary stress
It is unrealistic to expect that you can do away with all stressors in your life. However, you can greatly reduce your stress levels if you learn to identify those stresses that are unnecessary. For example, do not hang out with people who you know would only give you a headache.
Learn to say no to requests that you know would only burden you unnecessarily. Avoid stressful discussions that you know will only lead to heated arguments. Be in control of what you surround yourself with. If watching the news stresses you out, then stop watching it. Determine your priorities and organize your schedule well. Practice time management. Stop worrying about things that might never even happen.
Tip Number 2: Change your perspectives
As a cliché goes, life is only a matter of perspectives. You cannot always change a situation and turn the odds in your favor, but you can always change the way you look at things. Maintaining a positive outlook even in challenging situations will help you keep your cool and see the situation objectively. If you feel like you are choking on your tension or are offended because of someone, do not bottle your feelings up!
Learn to express your feelings in a calm and respectful way. If you meet with strong opposition, try to find a way to compromise. Look for ways to maintain peace without losing your identity in the process. Learn to stand for and on your own. Stop blaming circumstances. Instead, look at the things that you can do about your predicament and act accordingly.
Tip Number 3: Give yourself time to relax
You are never going to get rid of all your problems completely, so go out and take a breather once in a while to keep the tension from building up in you. Hang out with friends. Do something you have never done. Fulfill your bucket list. Play a sport. Go out on a date. Do not mope around the house, wishing for your circumstances to change. Live a healthy life, so you do not get sick and get stressed over the hospital bills. Take supplements like Spirulina to stay physically fit. Get off the couch and walk around. Have a good time. Learn to give yourself a break before Life breaks you.