No matter how much stress you experience, and regardless of the physical or emotional tolls you’re currently paying, you can do something about it. Once you identify the causes of stress in your life and recognise the danger signs, you can reduce them with a six-step action plan.
Identify your boiling point.
Why do some women get frazzled and irritated when they’re stuck in traffic, while others stay cool even during catastrophes? Two things make the difference. First is the amount of control that you feel you have over your life. A lot of things are happening in your life, and you really can’t control the outcome.
The other one is personality. Women with hostile personalities have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to stress. Many women share a personality trait that may increase their risk for depression: rumination. Women who are introspective, passive and tend to dwell on their problems generally experience depression and unnecessary levels of stress.
Recognise triggers.
You can’t control stress if you’re unsure what’s behind it. At the first sign that something’s wrong, try to get to the bottom of it. Consider keeping a journal. Sit down for a few minutes every day to write about issues that concern you. Try to get to the source of what’s bothering you and start considering solutions.
It’s not uncommon for women to feel so tired and burned-out that they can’t begin to muster the energy that’s required for problem solving. At that point, it makes sense to see a therapist right away.
Practise the ‘calm response’.
Here are a few ways to control the symptoms of stress and bring additional calm into your life.
- Breathe deeply. Doctors often advise women to practise breathing exercises, but simply reminding yourself to breathe deeply now and then can make a difference.
- Get some sun. Even if you don’t think you have the time, get outside for a few minutes. Exposure to sunlight increase levels of serotonin, a natural hormone that reduces stress and imparts feelings of calm and well-being.
- Take mini breaks. If you let your mind rest for at least 5 minutes every hour, you’ll find it easier to stay calm and focused. Close your eyes and think peaceful thoughts, stand up and stretch, or walk briskly for a few moments.
- Distract yourself. Fill your free time with activities you love.
Accept what you can’t change.
Stress will never go away, you have to accept that. Stress isn’t the real issue, but it’s how you react to it. Here are a few ways to unwind, no matter what life throws at you.
- Accept the circumstances.
- When you try to achieve the unachievable, you’ll feel frustrated, anxious or depressed. So concentrate on your strengths, instead of obsessing over your flaws.
- Acknowledge your mistakes and move one.
Stay socially engaged.
Talking to friends about what’s bothering you might help you see things in a different light. It also helps to get reassurance from them that you’re still loved and supported, despite how awful you feel.
Practise a lower-stress life.
If you establish certain habits every day, even when you’re not under stress, you’ll find you’re naturally a little calmer.
- Exercise regularly.
- Prepare backup plans. You’ll worry less because you know that everything is covered ‘just in case’.
- Get a pet.
- Get your finances in order.
- Keep a low-maintenance house.
Even when you’re under stress, take care of your overall physical well-being or you can contact Express Life Coaching Castle Hill today to achieve your goals and to feel the balance in all areas of your life. Visit the top health & beauty hubs in Australia today.