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Writer's pictureMengisteab Eyehalik, LCSW, LMHC

MANAGING STRESS

Updated: Jan 28, 2023

"Stress management is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth."

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it can manifest in a variety of ways. It can be caused by daily responsibilities, such as work or school, or by major life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a divorce. While some stress can be beneficial, too much of it can have negative effects on both our physical and mental health. That's why it's important to learn how to manage stress effectively.


One of the most effective ways to manage stress is through exercise. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that make us feel good. Exercise can also help improve sleep, which is often disrupted by stress. Additionally, it can help to clear your mind and improve your overall mood.


Another effective way to manage stress is through relaxation techniques. This can include yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even a simple walk in nature. These activities help to slow down the body's stress response and promote a sense of calm and well-being.


Another important aspect of stress management is having a support system. This can include friends, family, or a therapist. Talking to someone about your stress can help you to process your feelings and find solutions to the problems that are causing you stress.


It's also important to make time for yourself. This can include doing things you enjoy, such as reading, watching a movie, or taking a relaxing bath. It's important to make time for yourself each day, even if it's just a few minutes.


Finally, it's important to be mindful of your stressors and to try to avoid or manage those that you can. For example, if you know that a particular event or situation causes you stress, try to limit your exposure to it or find ways to cope with it more effectively.


In summary, stress management is an important aspect of maintaining good physical and mental health. Regular exercise, relaxation techniques, having a support system, making time for yourself and being mindful of your stressors are all effective ways to manage stress. Remember that everyone is different, so it's important to find the methods that work best for you.

 

An example of practical stress management for a student could be as follows:


You are a college student and have a big exam coming up in a week. The thought of the exam is causing you stress and anxiety, negatively affecting your sleep and overall mood. To manage this stress, you decide to implement the following strategies:

  • Exercise: You make a commitment to go for a 30-minute run every morning before class. This not only releases endorphins to improve your mood, but also helps to clear your mind and improve your sleep.

  • Relaxation Techniques: You also try yoga and meditation before bed to help calm your mind and prepare for sleep.

  • Support System: You talk to a friend about your stress and they offer to study with you for the exam, which helps you feel less alone in your stress.

  • Making Time for Yourself: You make sure to set aside some time each evening to do something you enjoy, such as reading a paperback or watching a movie you enjoy.

  • Mindfulness: You are mindful of your stressors, and try to limit your exposure to them. For example, you try to avoid talking about the upcoming exam with friends who tend to stress you out.

By implementing these strategies, you are able to manage your stress and anxiety in a more effective way and improve your physical and mental well-being.

 

An example of practical stress management for work could be as follows:


You are a project manager at a marketing agency, and have a tight deadline for a client presentation in two weeks. The pressure of delivering the presentation on time is causing you stress and anxiety, negatively affecting your sleep and overall mood. To manage this stress, you decide to implement the following strategies:

  • Exercise: You make a commitment to go for a 30-minute walk during lunch breaks. This not only releases endorphins to improve your mood, but also helps to clear your mind and improve your sleep.

  • Relaxation Techniques: You also try deep breathing exercises during work hours, this help you to stay focused, calm and improve productivity.

  • Support System: You talk to your colleagues about your stress and they offer to help you with the presentation, which helps you feel less alone in your stress.

  • Making Time for Yourself: You make sure to set aside some time each evening to do something you enjoy, such as reading a paperback or watching a movie you enjoy.

  • Mindfulness: You are mindful of your stressors, and try to limit your exposure to them. For example, you try to avoid checking your email after work hours to avoid the pressure of work at home.

By implementing these strategies, you are able to manage your stress and anxiety in a more effective way and improve your physical and mental well-being, also you will be more productive and this will help to deliver the presentation on time.

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