Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it comes from the expectations in our jobs or relationships with those around us, it’s always there. Sometimes the amount of stress we face daily can be overwhelming. Emotional stress is hard to pinpoint because it can be caused by so many factors. However, there are multitudes of healthy ways to cope. Here are seven ways to effectively manage and cope with emotional stress.
1. Don’t isolate yourself.
A lot of the stresses we face will make us feel alone as if we can’t talk to anyone. It’s necessary to reach out and sometimes get help from other sources
to relieve stress. Even if you don’t feel like socializing, being
around others in a positive way is a great option to clear your mind of
negative thoughts. If you don’t particularly want to be around your
friends or family, you can volunteer with organizations in your
community.
2. Try meditation.
Meditation
is a great option because it is relaxing, helps clear or control
thoughts, and can help relieve emotional stress. By focusing on being
calm, you’ll learn to redirect your thoughts instead of worrying about
the negatives. Mindful breathing is part of meditation that regulates
how quickly you breathe. Deep, calming breaths will be more helpful than
short, quick ones. You can also practice some sensory training input
and use a stimulus (like a smell) to help soothe you.
3. Find a therapist.
If
the idea of sharing your emotional stress with friends or family makes
you uncomfortable, you can always seek out a therapist to help if stress
is reaching levels that make it hard to get through the day. By talking
out some of the issues you’re facing, you’ll feel relief. You may also
discover some of the causes for your stress, which will allow you to
make changes to eliminate them.4. Get an emotional support animal.
Studies
have shown that pets are a great influence in our daily lives.
Sometimes just being able to share a bond with another living creature
is enough to make us feel better and reduce our anxiety. According to OnlineDogtor.com you can request an emotional support animal letter
from your doctor or psychologist. They will explain what condition you
have and this formal letter will be accepted by most places, including
by your landlord and HUD.
5. Take care of your body.
Exercise
is a great stress reliever. Yoga can be soothing and make you feel
relaxed inside and out. You’ll want to avoid alcohol or drugs as they
would likely add to your anxieties and stress. Eating well and regularly
will also help contribute to helping you feel more stable, reduce
moodiness, and keep your energy levels high. One of the best things you
can do for your body and your mind is to get an adequate amount of
sleep.
6. Set some alone time.
This
is not the same as completely closing yourself off from the world.
Sometimes we get overwhelmed with all the errands and socializing that
we fit into a day. Taking a break to unwind and destress is a good idea.
You can treat yourself to a spa day or go to the movies alone. You can
try writing in a journal during this time to privately work out some of
your ideas. You may also want to spend this time relaxing in nature to
get away from digital influences.
7. Accept your emotions.
It’s important to address our emotional states as they happen. Rather than try to bottle up the emotion, allow yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling.
Accepting your emotions and the stress they cause will allow you to let
go and stop obsessing over them. By focusing on how you feel at the
moment you feel stress, you’ll feel more grounded and less out of
control. You’ll also reduce the need to redo those moments so you won’t
have to relive any of your stressful periods.
Source: LifeHack
