4 Tips To Manage Stress

For many family gathering like holiday get-togethers can be a stressful time of the year. Stress is part of the human experience, but lately, it’s starting to feel like a permanent characteristic that we simply can’t shake. What’s worse, half of people say their stress is only getting worse, which can lead to both physical and mental health challenges. Stress can be a major factor for those facing high blood pressure. Here are a few tips for dealing with stress:

• Start Seeing Stress as A Privilege

  We’ve been conditioned to think that you reach a certain point and then everything is smooth sailing, which couldn’t be further from the truth. A successful person (in life and business) gets better at dealing with the challenges that are a part of growth. Start asking “how can I get better at this?” rather than “when will this go away?”

• Eliminate Unnecessary Stressors

  Ask yourself if you have relationships (life or business) that are holding you back or keeping you from the growth you want? Can you do something to improve those relationships, like improving communication or revisiting an agreement? Also, is there something you’re not doing that could eliminate extra stressors? This could be exercising or eating a healthy diet, or asking people for help at work or hiring additional people.

• Stop Caring About What Others Think

  When a person doesn’t voice their own needs or desires because they’re afraid of rejection, they may find themselves stuck in a situation months or years down the road. Yes, people may be disappointed with our choices because we can’t please everyone (and yes, this can stress us out), but remember we all have the power to choose how we respond to the way others react to our choices.

• Set Boundaries With… Your Calendar

  Using a calendar will help you keep your word to yourself to do the things you want to do. Think about how low-stress it is to have relationships with people who keep their word. Imagine what keeping your word to yourself would do for your own self-confidence, trust, and stress if you started doing that for yourself.

Stress is part of being human, and it can help motivate you to get things done. Even high stress from serious illness, job loss, a death in the family, or a painful life event can be a natural part of life. You may feel down or anxious, and that’s normal too for a while. Talk to your doctor if you feel down or anxious for more than several weeks or if it starts to interfere with your home or work life.