Stressed? Try these seven steps to manage it

by Lynn WL

Hey everyone, how's it going? This is Sharleen. I know it's been a while since I last posted here. I've been like freakin' busy with work and everything else. Luckily my friend Aiden was able to fill in by writing the last few articles. Well now I'm back!

How's your life been going? Have you experienced any stress?

In today's world frustration, grief, anxiety, and yes, stress, have unfortunately become part of our everyday lives. Whether it's work, political situations, health issues, social interactions, and even family relationships can all contribute to it. It's a state of mental conditioning that is like swallowing that bitter pill down your throat, causing you to tear your hair out or worse, lose your sense of self, and even your sanity. Just thinking about it can drive some people off the edge.

We can't blame them for being that way, though. Everyone has their own reasons for allowing stress to weigh them down. There are also many different factors when it comes to stress. Coping with life and carrying the problems that may or may not be yours can unfortunately, take away whatever little joy and happiness you have once you step out that door. Some people say that stress is all in the mind. While that may be true, knowing that fact doesn't really help relieve it now does it?

Fortunately, there are several ways to manage stress, so that you can at least lessen its toll if not completely remove it from your life. Following is a simple seven-step technique that's easy to follow. I promise it won't be too taxing on your body or your mind. In fact, I injected a bit of fun into it. Yeah, believe or or not, there are programs out there that are meant to reduce stress, but in reality they cause even more stress due to their complexity or rigorous requirements. Ironic, isn't it?

So without further ado, let's get started.

1. Treat stress like your friend
First you've got to acknowledge that stress is actually beneficial and that it can work to your advantage. Yes, you read that right! "How so?" you might ask. Well, based on your body's natural fight or flight response, that burst of energy will enhance your performance at the right moment. Do you know of any top athlete who's totally relaxed before a big competition? So you can actually use stress wisely to push yourself just a little harder when it counts most. This applies not just to sports, but also like in work situations, like when you have to complete an important project, and you want to give it your best.

2. Treat stress like a cold
When someone has a cold they sneeze and blow their nose all day long (I know this all too well since I get frequent colds, lol), spewing germs indiscriminately, and before they know it, other people get sick too! Well, stress is the same way. It's contagious as the stress germs spread easily. Have you ever noticed when someone in the office or in your family is stressed, before long many others also get stressed? Therefore, it's crucial that you protect yourself by recognizing stress in others and limiting your contact with them. Alternatively, if you're so inclined (after reading this article), play stress doctor and teach them how to better manage it.

3. Learn from others who are successful
In managing their stress, that is. You probably know a person or two among your coworkers, friends, or family who always appear confident, calm, and composed no matter the situation, and they always seem to be able to handle anything that comes their way. Figure out what they're doing differently, what their attitude is like, and how they speak. Better yet, sit down with them and have a chat. Learn from the best stress managers and copy what they do.

4. Practice deep breathing
This is a well-known technique. You can get your body to relax by using deep/heavy breathing. Breathe in slowly for a count of 7 then breathe out for a count of 11. Repeat this 7-11 breathing until your heart rate slows down, your sweaty palms dry off and things start to feel more normal. There may be minor variations to the number of counts depending on the source, and that's OK. Just pick one that's most comfortable for you. But when you're doing this in the presence of other people, just make sure you're not causing them concern thinking that you're having a respiratory distress or something :) If someone asks, it may be a good opportunity for you to share this stress relieving technique with them.

5. Treat stressful thoughts like a red light
A common cause of stress is worrying needlessly or overthinking/over-analyzing. "If this or that happened I'd be cooked!" Be honest, have you ever had that kind of thought? This can be detrimental because worrying is like wishing for something you don't want, and your mind is very powerful. Furthermore, most of the things we worry about never happen! So when these thoughts enter your mind, treat them like a red light (a warning) and remind yourself to calm down. Use the previous step (breathing technique) to help yourself.

6. Know your trigger points and hot spots
Make a list of these and be specific. Presentations, interviews, meetings with the boss, tight deadlines, arguments with a loved one, and reading the news are just a few examples of things that can cause someone's heart rate to crank up. Some of these are avoidable while others not so much. When you can avoid it, by all means do so. If reading/watching the news stresses you out (because most of the time they report bad/negative news as it sells), then stop or at least reduce it. Deadlines and meetings with the boss are unavoidable for the most part. But you can take action to make it less stressful. Perhaps you need to learn some new skills or find extra resources. And don't forget the breathing technique above.

7. Adopt healthy habits - get back to basics
Eating healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly are crucial for your physical and emotional health. We cannot overemphasize it's importance in stress management. So listen to your mom and don't burn the candle at both ends!

Bonus step: take a vacation
Of course, this is if you can afford it. If it's winter where you are, and cold weather stresses you out, then go to Hawaii or the Bahamas and bask under the warm sun. Conversely, if it's summer and the heat and humidity cause you stress, then spend some time in a cool place. If you can't afford a vacation, consider a staycation. Learn more about your local culture and enjoy the attractions near your home.

In closing, remind yourself that life is magical. Find the magic in little/simple things, and watch your stress melt away.

Until next time, have fun implementing these steps to manage the stress in your life!