5 steps to take charge of your stress

We all hate being stressed. While a certain amount of it can be helpful, in motivating us or helping us to stay focused on a task, too much stress can have adverse effects.

It’s bad for our health, our relationships, as well as our general outlook and enjoyment of life. But, what can you do when you start to feel the pressure or become overwhelmed? 

The next time you feel that stress is getting the better of you, try these 5 simple stress-busting steps. 

1. Communicate openly

Don’t hide the fact that you’re stressed or feeling anxious. Reach out to those around you, whether that’s your family, friends, or colleagues and talk about it. Bottling up your feelings won’t help, and it’s likely you could be missing a trick or two – other people may be able to give you advice or offer a helping hand.

2. Give yourself time off

What’s your favourite way of getting rid of tension? It might be thrashing out a hardcore session at the gym, going out to catch up with friends, or simply watching your favourite film. Be your own best friend and help yourself to de-stress, by remembering to make time for the things you love.

3. Don’t stress for the sake of stressing

If you’re ordinarily an anxious person, it can feel normal to stress over important life events. But, if you’re genuinely relaxed about something, don’t start to overthink and worry yourself unnecessarily, because you feel like you should be stressed.

4. Try to pinpoint the exact cause, or trigger, of your stress

Is it deadline related? Money worries? Or, are you not exactly sure what is causing you to feel so stressed?

A coach could be the person to help you understand what is making you feel stressed. They can work with you to combat this, and give you tips on how to prevent it in the future.

5. Try to leave your stress where you found it

If it’s relationship problems that are giving you grief, try to leave that stress at home when you walk out of the door in the morning. Equally, if you’re struggling with work-related stress, try not to take it out on your loved ones.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to your friends, family or colleagues about what is going on in other aspects of your life – just be mindful of how your stress may be affecting others around you.

For more help and advice, visit our Stress fact-sheet.

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Written by Becky Banham
Becky is Brand and Social Strategist for Happiful and a writer for Life Coach Directory.
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Written by Becky Banham
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