Three More Ways To Reduce Stress

What Is Stress?

When we feel pressured or threatened, we feel emotional, psychological or even physical strain. Stress is our natural response to such conditions. It typically occurs when we are in a precarious position that we do not feel we have much or any control over. A lot of factors can cause stress such as work, financial problems, health, etc. The feeling of stress is something that we cannot always avoid. However, we can find ways to reduce stress, and cope with it in healthy ways. A high level of stress can result in:

• Chest pain or your heartbeat is racing.
• Muscle tension.
• Panic attack.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Stomach or digestive problem.
• Headaches or migraine.
• Weakened immune system.

These are just some of the effects of stress, and there are many serious conditions that you can get as a result of stress. That is why you need to find out how to reduce your stress level in healthy ways. In an earlier article, we provided some tips on managing stress. Here are another 3 suggestions on how you can manage or reduce stress.

Three More Ways To Reduce Stress

Journaling

Therapists suggest that having a journal where you write down everything that you were feeling that day, can help to lower your stress level. Putting your ideas and feelings into writing might help you let go of otherwise bottled-up emotions. Do not consider what to write; simply let it come to you. Whatever comes to mind, write it down. You do not need anyone else to read it, so there is no need to worry about spelling or punctuation. Just write or type your thoughts as they come to you. When you are through, you can either throw away what you wrote, or store it for further thought.

Set your boundaries

Sometimes stress can be caused by other people in our life – either by their behavior, actions, or requests. That is why you need to know your boundaries and limitations, and make them clear to those who may be affecting you negatively. While it may appear simple to say “yes” just to maintain harmony, avoid confrontation, and complete the task at hand, the fact remains that your needs are being put aside. This can result in internal tension for you, even though overt tension with the other party has been avoided. Overtime, you may feel stress, anger, resentment, and even the desire to wreak retribution. And that is not a very collected and peaceful response.

Seek Therapy Or Counselling

You might need to look for encouragement in the form of therapy or counseling if new stressors are difficult for you to deal with, or if self-care techniques are not working. Therapy could also be a great thing if you feel stuck or burdened, worry constantly, or struggle to complete everyday tasks or fulfill obligations at work, home, or school. You can acquire new coping mechanisms and identify the causes of your stress with the aid of qualified counselors or therapists.

Stress Management Resources

The National Council of Social Service has an interactive platform called Belle, Beyond the Label. Users can use it to conveniently find the mental health resources and services they need in privacy.