3 Tips to manage stress

We hope these 3 simple techniques can help!

1. Positive Self-Talk

Let’s be honest, we all talk to ourselves! Sometimes we talk out loud, but usually we do it in our heads. Self-talk can be positive or negative. Negative self-talk increases stress. Positive self-talk can help you calm down and manage stress. With practice, you can learn to shift negative thoughts to positive ones. For example:

• Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I’ll do the best I can. I’ve got this.”
• Instead of saying, “I hate it when this happens,” say, “I know how to deal with this – I’ve done it before.”
• Instead of saying, “I feel helpless and alone,” say, “I can reach out and get help if I need it.”
• Instead of saying, “I can’t believe I screwed up,” say, “I’m human, and we all make mistakes. I can fix it.”

2. Top 10 Emergency Stress-Stoppers

Emergency stress-stoppers are actions to help you defuse stress in the moment. You may need different stress-stoppers for different situations, and sometimes it helps to combine them. Here are some stress relievers.

1. Count to 10 before you speak or react.
2. Take a few slow, deep breaths until you feel your body un-clench a bit.
3. Go for a walk, even if it’s just to the restroom and back. It can give you a chance to think things through.
4. Try a quick meditation or prayer to get some perspective.
5. If it’s not urgent, sleep on it and respond tomorrow. This works especially well for stressful emails and social media trolls.
6. Walk away from the situation for a while, and handle it later once things have calmed down.
7. Break down big problems into smaller parts. Take one step at a time.
8. Turn on some chill music or an inspirational podcast to help you deal with road rage.
9. spend some time with a pet, hug a loved one or do something to help someone else.
10. Work out or do something active. Exercise is a great antidote for stress.

3. Stress-Busting Activities

Doing things you enjoy is a natural way to relieve stress and find your happy place. Even when you’re down, you may find pleasure in simple things like going for a walk, catching up with a friend or reading a good book.

When stress makes you feel bad, do something that makes you feel good – even if only for 10 or 15 minutes.

• Play with your kids or pets – outdoors, if possible.
• Take a walk in nature to clear your head.
• Meditate or practice yoga.
• Read a book, short story or magazine.
• Meet a friend for coffee or a meal.

The key is to find your groove and make it a practice. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you may start to feel better once you disrupt the cycle of stress.