6 Effective Strategies for Dealing with Stress

Life is full of ups and downs. As an adult, you are often navigating and managing multiple stressors at once which can take a toll over time. Stress can have negative impacts on your mental well-being as well as physical impacts too. This is why learning what strategies are most effective for dealing with stress is so important. We will be discussing strategies for dealing with stress in this article.

Since stress can impact people both physically and mentally, it is helpful to have a variety of options available to manage the different worries in your life. For physical stress relief, things like exercise and meditation can help release tension and boost endorphins. To support mental stress relief, using tools like cognitive therapy and journaling are great options to help let go of anxieties and concerns.

There are also tools that can help you manage stress and that benefit you both physically and mentally, such as somatic therapy, yoga, or an appointment with one of these trained psychiatrists. Once you learn the strategies that are most effective for you, you can implement them in your everyday life to help you manage all the different responsibilities you are navigating along the way.

Stress Reducing Strategy #1: Somatic Therapy Helps You De-stress 

Somatic therapy has gained a lot of traction in recent years in the mental health world and for good reason. This form of therapy combines both cognitive therapy with physical movement to help release negative emotions and memories. As you work with a somatic therapist, you will work to process both past and present trauma. Learning how to heal from this trauma can be incredibly beneficial to your overall quality of life. 

The body can hold on to negative past experiences that can later be triggered by a memory. Somatic therapists help individuals work through those challenging memories and emotions in a safe environment. As you make progress with your therapist, learning to release negative experiences and emotions you will naturally be lowering your anxiety and stress level. 

Stress Reducing Strategy #2: Scheduling Time to Decompress

One of the biggest reasons people become severely impacted by stress is because they have taken on too many responsibilities and do not have any time for rest or things they enjoy doing. There are numerous benefits to finding time for yourself every day. One of the most important benefits is that it can significantly reduce your daily and long-term stress. 

Whether it is at the start of the day or the end of the day, it is important to have time that is dedicated just to you. Prioritizing time for yourself means making sure that you are truly doing something you enjoy or finding ways to relax during that time. It can be helpful to have a screen-free rule during that time as well to allow you to fully decompress. 

Stress Reducing Strategy #3: Find Movement That You Enjoy

Thanks to science and research, it is now a well-known fact that moving your body with some form of exercise brings numerous physical and emotional rewards. The key to doing this is to find the type of movement that you enjoy most. Exercise can be a major stress reliever, as long as it is something that you enjoy doing. 

For example, if you have tried running and realize it causes you more stress than benefits, it is time to try something new. Even walking just thirty minutes a day can improve your mood and overall physical health. 

Additionally, this dentist who does teeth whitening in Highlands Ranch also recommends making sure that your physical health is always in good condition. Remember that a healthy body deals with stress far more effectively than a weak one.

Stress Reducing Strategy #4: Be Willing to Ask for Help

As an adult juggling a career and personal life, certain aspects of your life get left behind. Whether it is housework that gets ignored or taking care of yourself physically that is put on the back burner, it can be challenging to manage it all. 

Many people have a hard time asking for help, believing instead that they can manage it all and they don’t want to burden others. But finding support within your community, or even hiring people to help can make a big difference in your stress level. You may have to step outside of your comfort zone when asking for help, but you will be glad you did when things feel a little less overwhelming. 

Stress Reducing Strategy #5: Spend Time Exploring

It is easy in the hustle and bustle of life to feel like you are on a hamster wheel not able to get off. Taking time off of work or even just prioritizing time on the weekends for adventure can help relieve stress. Getting your mind off of things you are worried about by being present in nature is a huge stress reliever.

 Being outside not only releases endorphins, but you are also getting numerous health benefits like increasing your Vitamin D and cardiovascular health. Planning vacations or day trips is good for your mental health and also gives you something to look forward to when you are dealing with stress at work or home. 

Stress Reducing Strategy #6: Find Healthy Distractions

Sometimes all you need is a simple reset in order to help relieve some stress. Even small simple activities can make an impact on your stress level in a positive way. Listening to music is a great form of stress relief and is something you can do almost anywhere with a pair of headphones. 

Another simple distraction is watching a funny movie or show. Laughing naturally releases endorphins and can give your brain the reset it needs to let go of the stressful thoughts it is holding on to. Spending time with loved ones or even reading a good book are other forms of distraction that help your brain and body reset your stress levels. 

Although it would be nice if you could just get rid of stress completely, unfortunately, that is not realistic. Instead, finding coping skills and strategies that work well for you as an individual are what will help you manage stress the most. 

Finding time to focus on yourself by traveling and prioritizing your mental health with support such as somatic therapy can make a big impact on your stress level. Taking care of yourself is important and should always be made a priority which in turn will help you manage the stressors of life. 

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