Stress is inevitable. We are constantly fighting to make deadlines, rushing our kids off to school and dealing with finances, family and friends. Modern-day culture asks us to juggle 1,000 things at once, and it simply isn't easy. But while stress can feel like a huge weight on our shoulders it can also be an important emotion to appreciate. It not only affects us mentally but physically. Although it can make us feel ill, nervous, jittery and heavy it can also push us to get things done. When understood and managed, stress can be transformed into a powerful motivator.
Stress can be internal or external. Internal stress usually comes from a place of anxiety or insecurity; it is the stress we place on ourselves. External stress is all about environment. This is often what we feel in the educational or occupational parts of our lives. Understanding which type of stress you're dealing with is the first step toward managing it. Here are a few ways to identify and relieve stress, to channel it into physical energy and to work through it to help you get things done!
Talk To Yourself
I'm not kidding! Checking in with how you feel and why you feel that way is a crucial way to identify stress. It's important to take time out of your day or week or month to sit down with yourself and really think about YOU. It's also quite therapeutic. If you've been feeling anxious about something but can't quite put your finger on it, self-talk can help you figure out the root of your stress. Taking this time is also the first step toward busting your stress. Giving yourself 10-30 minutes of silent meditation or introspective thought each day can actually relieve the stress all together. And finding the time is easier than you think. Why not hop into bed a few minutes before you normally do to take some time to think? Try using your subway ride or commute for self-reflection, or simply take a few minutes during your lunch break at work to check in and talk to yourself about how you're feeling and the source of your stress.
Sweat
Once you've figured out whether or not your stress is external, internal or a mix of both, it's time to find healthy ways to manage it. Getting your heart pumping not only feels good, it can make you happier! According to Harvard University Health it's all science: "Exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators." There's a reason they call it "runner's high." Physical exercise gets your blood flowing and those natural mood elevators pumping. After you work out try journaling or writing down how sweating made you feel emotionally. That way, the next time you are stressed and don't have time to sweat you can always come back to the thoughts you had and how it helped as a way to manage your anxiety. It's also a great motivator to keep the physical activity going!
Stress-Bust With A Friend
One of the most stressful parts of life can be balancing your business, career with your family, friends and social life. So much of this stress is because we feel like we don't have enough time to do it all. But the truth is, so much of that stress can be placated if we use the support of the people we love instead of shutting them out. Stressed out about a tough assignment at work? Anxious about the health of a friend? Why not try sweating it out in a Zumba class with your bestie, or spending a Saturday baking for that sick friend with a family member? No man is an island, we simply can't beat stress alone. I've found that doing stress-busting activities with friends also allows me to open up about my stresses with the people I love, while also getting and giving the support and time we both need.
Know Your Own Value
We tend to forget to be kind to ourselves during times of deep internal stress. We blame ourselves for our own mistakes and shortcomings, which can deepen our anxiety and perpetuate and prolong those stressful moments. Whether it's having trouble passing that exam, going through a tough breakup or simply feeling like you can't cut a break, it's important to remind yourself how valuable you are. Yes, things are hard right now and it's hard not to magnify the negativity in your life. But you are also YOU. You are so lucky to have the life that you have, to wake up in the morning and be the navigator of your own future. You are wonderful and special and have so much to offer to the world. YOU are valuable. Sometimes it's just a little pep talk, or maybe that special treat yo' self moment (I know you want that extra croissant from Starbucks!). Allow yourself to love yourself. Remind yourself of everything that you have to offer to the world and give yourself a gift, whether it's physical or mental of gratitude and self-love.
Taking the time to hone in on why you're stressed and managing it through exercise, discussion and engagement with others can lead you toward a healthier, happier, less-stressed you. Bust your stress; do some self-talk, share moments with the people you love, remind yourself how awesome you are and get moving!
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