Strategies for Overcoming Stress
We all know that feeling – the tightness in the chest, the cold sweat, the insistent drumbeat in the back of the head, the tension migraines, usually accompanied by a feeling of complete overwhelm. Stress has become an all-too-familiar part of our lives.
Let’s fix that!
Whether we are dealing with the daily demands of a corporate job, the chaos of figuring it all out and “adulting”, or simply trying to keep it all together when life throws us a curveball, stress is always there to greet us. Research has demonstrated the ill effects of stress, such as negative impacts on our memory, immune system, and metabolism. It is also widely accepted that chronic stress will take its toll on our mental and physical health.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. While it’s true that we can’t always control the sources of our stress, there are practical strategies and tools we can use to manage our stress better and focus on what’s truly important.
Start by learning to recognize the signs of stress, such as feelings of anxiety, irritability, and decision-making fatigue. When you become aware of these, you can take steps to address them head-on. One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is by taking time out to relax. For stress relief activities that have been shown to be successful in combating stress, try guided meditations, yoga poses, and breathing exercises.
While I have touched on my personal testimony and journey with mental health in previous posts like Reset With Syd’s Systems, I understand anxiety and depression all too well. Now that I am in a place of stability and finally feel like I’m thriving in life and not just surviving it, I can happily say that prioritizing self-care, meditation, and mindfulness has changed EVERYTHING about my mental health.
On that note, self-care is another important aspect of managing stress. Make time for activities you enjoy, take regular breaks, and learn to set boundaries in the workplace and in life. (P.S. You don’t have to be great at your hobbies, enjoying them is the only qualification, my friend!) Taking breaks away from screens and family demands is essential. Exercise is also a great way to manage stress. Moving your body can help to release stress hormones and increase endorphins, which ultimately can help you to feel calmer and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
I know what you are thinking, “Sydney, we have all heard it! If you tell me that working out is going to fix all my issues one more time, I’ll throw a fit.” I HEAR YOU I PROMISE! BUT HEAR ME OUT. As much as I hate to admit it, the gym bros might have something going on. Not only can regular exercise help reduce stress and manage anxiety levels, but it can also boost energy, improve health, and reduce inflammation.
Moving your body is more than a physical act, it’s ultimately a dedication to yourself and an act of self-love. Working out consistently is also training your brain and body to “get through” and excel in the midst of difficult situations. This intentionality of putting yourself in “difficult” situations will translate to other areas. So when grandiose life circumstances hit you out of left field and knock you on your ass, you won’t be out of the game, just stunned! Why? Because you have built the muscles NEEDED to recover from “difficult” situations before.
"You can either experience the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The choice is yours."
What you implement today might help your tomorrow to the point where your tomorrow doesn't need helping. You never know!
And lastly, don’t forget to reach out for help. Seek support from your family, friends, and medical professionals. It can be difficult to admit that we need help, but your mental health should always be the top priority. It does not matter what assignment is due, what deliverable is approaching, or frankly who you piss off!
If it costs you your sanity or peace, it’s too expensive!
At the end of the day, learning how to manage stress is a personal journey. But recognizing and addressing the issue is the first step. By being open and honest with ourselves and making conscious decisions to prioritize our mental health, we all can benefit from a calmer, more productive life.
My Personal Tips for Stress Management:
Calm – THE BEST INVESTMENT!! I highly recommend getting the premium version of Calm. I totally understand not wanting to pay for apps, in most cases I refuse! However, when it comes to my health, it's a no-brainer. What better investment than one for your mental health, that has multiple resources in one? There is a multitude of meditations, guided breath work sessions, body exercises, sleep-bedtime stories, and more. There are four daily check-in options: Emotion tracker, gratitude tracker, sleep tracker, and my favorite daily reflection.
A good alternative is Headspace
Thought Diary – This is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy journaling app and emotional tracker. Perfect if you have always wanted to journal, but don't have time to write long-form pages. You can set reminders for check-ins and practice CBT with curated exercises!
Daily Bean – Besides being an aesthetically pleasing widget for your phone, Daily Bean is a straightforward way of tracking your day. Categories like emotions, social, health, sleep, a photo of the day, and a journaling section too.
Five-Minute Journal – Practice mindfulness and gratitude.
Jesus Calling – I start my morning with an encouraging word and a biblical food for thought.
Take all of this with a grain of salt, and don’t feel overwhelmed! Change does not happen overnight, but it is possible.
Further Resources on Managing Stress:
With love,
