It is natural to become stressed, but we should do what we can to calm ourselves. Stress can lower productivity, focus, and our quality of life. Thankfully, there are many ways to calm ourselves when stressful situations arise. Here are five ways to lower our stress levels.
1. Catch Yourself Overthinking
Overthinking is something everybody handles differently. We usually overthink when we are unsure or do not fully understand a situation. Most people expect the worst, stressing themselves out in the process. However, we usually do not find ourselves in these worst case scenarios, later realizing we were overthinking the whole situation. Throughout this ordeal, we commit self-sabotage, stressing ourselves out and behaving irregularly because of our assumptions. We end up being disappointed in ourselves for thinking and behaving the way we did.
The best way to avoid self-disappointment and unnecessary stress is to catch ourselves overthinking. It sounds simple, but it can be difficult when focused on the circumstances. Ask yourself, “am I overthinking?,” when negative thoughts arise, moving your attention away from the negatives and allowing yourself to assess the situation. Doing this consistently can train your brain to analyze a situation rather than assuming the outcome. This can help in avoiding the unnecessary stress and drama that inevitably comes from overthinking.
2. Change Your Mindset
Some people do not believe they are deserving of happiness, simplicity, or resolution, so they expect the negative. This causes unnecessary stress, sadness, and a lack of confidence. It also makes people feel like they are unable to control their lives, which can be nerve racking. What they do not realize is positivity and negativity are controlled the same way, through one's personal mindset. It is easy to think positively as it is to think negatively. The reason why people have a tough time grasping this is because they rarely try to think outside of the negative. However, people who think positively will notice a difference in their mood and the way they handle situations. People are happier, more confident, and feel in control when they focus on the positive. It makes them feel as if they are strong, able to handle difficult situations without losing themselves. Do your best to find the positives in every situation.
3. Breathe Deeply
Deep breathing has a multitude of mental and physical benefits, many of which contribute to relaxation. When we are stressed, scared, or nervous, our minds race, our heart beats faster, and we lack the focus necessary to remain calm. Breathing deeply can help with all of these problems. By focusing on breathing, you are moving your attention away from the stress-related situation, allowing yourself to think clearer. The heart beats slower, returning to normal, and muscle tension decreases, allowing for physical relaxation. Deep breathing may not resolve the matters at hand, but it is useful for calming the mind and body and regaining focus. This, in turn, will make it easier to solve problems and accomplish goals.
4. Get Your Mind off the Situation
There is nothing more stressful than thinking about a stressful situation. Instead of focusing on what is causing the stress, it is a good idea to get your mind off of it. Getting your mind off the stressful situation, even if it is only for a few moments, can help dramatically. It allows us to ‘recharge our batteries,’ which helps to regain our focus and strength. Listening to music, playing a game, or relaxing with a hobby are all effective methods. By doing so, you are able to return to the stressful situation more relaxed, having the focus and the mental strength to deal with it effectively.
5. Sleep
Sleeping is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Stress can lead to exhaustion, and when we are tired, a stressful situation can feel much worse. We also tend to think and act through emotion when we are tired, which is not the best approach. When we sleep, we replenish the energy spent, giving our body a break and letting our mind drift away. We feel refreshed upon waking up. This is the best time to look back on the stressful situation, analyzing it logically rather than emotionally. This, in turn, allows you to reach a logical conclusion and act accordingly. So, it is better to sleep on it rather than act out through emotion when stressful situations arise. This will allow you to better assess the situation before doing anything you may regret. It will also allow you to relax and deter from unnecessary stress.
1. Catch Yourself Overthinking
Overthinking is something everybody handles differently. We usually overthink when we are unsure or do not fully understand a situation. Most people expect the worst, stressing themselves out in the process. However, we usually do not find ourselves in these worst case scenarios, later realizing we were overthinking the whole situation. Throughout this ordeal, we commit self-sabotage, stressing ourselves out and behaving irregularly because of our assumptions. We end up being disappointed in ourselves for thinking and behaving the way we did.
The best way to avoid self-disappointment and unnecessary stress is to catch ourselves overthinking. It sounds simple, but it can be difficult when focused on the circumstances. Ask yourself, “am I overthinking?,” when negative thoughts arise, moving your attention away from the negatives and allowing yourself to assess the situation. Doing this consistently can train your brain to analyze a situation rather than assuming the outcome. This can help in avoiding the unnecessary stress and drama that inevitably comes from overthinking.
2. Change Your Mindset
Some people do not believe they are deserving of happiness, simplicity, or resolution, so they expect the negative. This causes unnecessary stress, sadness, and a lack of confidence. It also makes people feel like they are unable to control their lives, which can be nerve racking. What they do not realize is positivity and negativity are controlled the same way, through one's personal mindset. It is easy to think positively as it is to think negatively. The reason why people have a tough time grasping this is because they rarely try to think outside of the negative. However, people who think positively will notice a difference in their mood and the way they handle situations. People are happier, more confident, and feel in control when they focus on the positive. It makes them feel as if they are strong, able to handle difficult situations without losing themselves. Do your best to find the positives in every situation.
3. Breathe Deeply
Deep breathing has a multitude of mental and physical benefits, many of which contribute to relaxation. When we are stressed, scared, or nervous, our minds race, our heart beats faster, and we lack the focus necessary to remain calm. Breathing deeply can help with all of these problems. By focusing on breathing, you are moving your attention away from the stress-related situation, allowing yourself to think clearer. The heart beats slower, returning to normal, and muscle tension decreases, allowing for physical relaxation. Deep breathing may not resolve the matters at hand, but it is useful for calming the mind and body and regaining focus. This, in turn, will make it easier to solve problems and accomplish goals.
4. Get Your Mind off the Situation
There is nothing more stressful than thinking about a stressful situation. Instead of focusing on what is causing the stress, it is a good idea to get your mind off of it. Getting your mind off the stressful situation, even if it is only for a few moments, can help dramatically. It allows us to ‘recharge our batteries,’ which helps to regain our focus and strength. Listening to music, playing a game, or relaxing with a hobby are all effective methods. By doing so, you are able to return to the stressful situation more relaxed, having the focus and the mental strength to deal with it effectively.
5. Sleep
Sleeping is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Stress can lead to exhaustion, and when we are tired, a stressful situation can feel much worse. We also tend to think and act through emotion when we are tired, which is not the best approach. When we sleep, we replenish the energy spent, giving our body a break and letting our mind drift away. We feel refreshed upon waking up. This is the best time to look back on the stressful situation, analyzing it logically rather than emotionally. This, in turn, allows you to reach a logical conclusion and act accordingly. So, it is better to sleep on it rather than act out through emotion when stressful situations arise. This will allow you to better assess the situation before doing anything you may regret. It will also allow you to relax and deter from unnecessary stress.
What do you do to lower the stress in your life? Do you use any of these methods? Let me know in the comments!
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Today's Song of the Blog is "Free Fallin'," by Tom Petty!
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