Stress management program that will improve your life

March 15. 2021

2020 has been a heck of a year, with a global pandemic still ravaging many communities, civil unrest, and unrelenting climate activities causing stress for all. As we came out of it, we all hoped that the nightmare would end and we could all live peacefully again. However, things aren’t much better this year, and since circumstances are continually changing, we need to adapt to them day by day. It’s barely impossible to plan anything, and that brings unrest to our minds. That’s why many of us are searching for stress management program to help us cope with the ongoing situation.

Managing stress should be at the top of everyone’s self-improvement list, but how exactly do we manage it? Stress can seemingly come from all angles, and the stressors are ever-changing. However, we can do our best to mitigate stressful encounters and practice habits that eliminate some of the stress that continually affects our mental well-being.

Create your own stress management program

Luckily for us, there are many ways to help manage stress. When creating a stress management program, it’s essential to consider what helps us individually. What may work for some may not work for us. Because of that, it may take some time to dial in our unique approach to managing stress in our own lives.

There are many common ways to cope with stress. Here are some unique twists on the old standbys that may help alleviate some of that stress.

Find an Outlet

Sure, everyone knows that going to the gym to lift some weights or going for a jog can help, but that may not be the most fun for everyone. Instead, various other outlets could help wash away some of the stress. By finding an outlet, our minds can relax and break from continually worrying about our lives’ stressors.

Are you looking for a unique outlet? Taking up a new hobby may do the trick. Something as simple as painting or learning how to play a new instrument may engage the brain and our body in a new way, fully allowing us to concentrate on the task at hand instead of the problems in our life. There are also creative ways to get outdoors while simultaneously relieving stress. When we think of stress management programs, a treasure hunt may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, geocaching can function as our outlet, a spin on treasure hunting that is sure to provide our mind with stimulation, shifting the focus away from stress.

Break the Monotony

Life can seem extra stressful when we stay in the rut of our monotonous schedule. It can seem like Groundhog Day, with stressful experience after a stressful experience weighing us down. Break it up! This tip also may not come to mind when considering stress management, but it’s an underrated tactic to free our brain from the shackles of anxiety.

Something as simple as a candlelight carryout dinner with a spouse or significant other can provide a change-up from the doldrums of our daily schedule. This provides something to look forward to and a release from thinking about stress while we’re in the moment. It can also serve as a way to foster the bonds of our relationship, strengthening other aspects of our lives while simultaneously relieving stress.

Breathe (Yes, Breathe)

It may seem simple, but when stress takes hold of our lives, it often subconsciously affects how we breathe. This hold on our breathing can add to our physical anguish. As such, one way to manage stress is to be present in our breathing. By focusing on our breaths, we take control of a small aspect of our lives. Deep breathing also centers on us and allows for our body to take in much-needed oxygen. It’s a great way to help the body mentally and emotionally; this is an underrated practice of many stress managing programs.

This breathing can be paired with meditation techniques such as mindfulness or yoga. Being acutely aware of our breathing focuses on our stress and instead places it on a repetitive task. Breathing not only helps manage stress but can help prevent it. In a stressful situation, being mindful of our breathing can have a calming effect, avoiding the stress from taking hold at that moment. As is evident, breathing is paramount in the quest to manage stress.

Eliminate the Stressors You Can 

It’s important to note where our stress originates in our lives. When we identify the causes of our stress, we can determine whether or not we need to keep those stress sources in our lives. When possible, we should choose to eliminate the sources of stress in our lives to manage our stress. Whether it’s an unhealthy relationship or a toxic work environment, identifying the source of stress is a positive first step to addressing the stress in our lives.

The pandemic impacted this holiday season and for many, holiday plans changed related to families. One positive side effect of the pandemic was individuals’ potential to cut down on unhealthy familial relationships. While this may seem cold, we need to take stock of our relationships, blood or otherwise. As mentioned, cutting out unhealthy relationships is a great way to avoid stressors first, aiding in stress management. When creating a personal stress management program, identifying stressors should be near the top of the checklist.

Manage Stress Better Today

Stress is inevitable, especially with the sequences of events that consistently present stressors. While this may be known, managing stress is elusive as we strive to beat the stressors from our lives. There are apparent standbys as we attempt to control our pressure, but thinking outside the box may have a beneficial impact on our lives. It’s important to remember that our stresses are unique and to manage that stress equally impressively. Many methods are available to aid in stress management, from merely breathing to eliminating stressors in our lives. Regardless of what ways you choose, managing stress is an essential part of your overall health.

Author

Nurse Walton

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Chanay received her Practical Nurse licensure and went to work in clinical specialties such as Home Health, Assisted Living, Long-Term Care and Dialysis Centers. Through this work, she realized the importance of diet, nutrition and weight loss among her patients. This led her to open A Better Weigh, Inc. Medical Weight Loss Center in 2009.