How to Cope with Feelings of Stress and Being Lost

0
216

The world would be a much calmer place if we all had a stress buster to implement when the moments of the day feel overwhelming. It is up to each person to find the coping strategies that can help them to process challenging feelings and circumstances because no two situations are exactly alike.

Stress management is not always a comfortable journey, but it is one that is useful when you have coping strategies to follow. Here are some simple ways that you can begin to manage these situations in your life when they develop.

1. Stop Using Nicotine, Caffeine, and Alcohol

excessive alcohol consumption is bad for health
Heavy smoking and drinking can never be beneficial to our health.

Stimulants make it feel like you have more energy, but they can also cause your body to crash once their effect diminishes. You can also place stress on your cardiovascular system and liver by using these items frequently. Some people even need to avoid refined sugars as part of this coping mechanism. Stress is easier to manage when you eat a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet.

2. Get Some Extra Sleep

good bedtime routine is important
Being sleep-deprived can be debilitating.

Most adults say that they get between 5-6 hours of sleep each night. Although some people can experience a complete restoration in six hours, some need up to 10 hours of rest each night for their health. If you do not spend enough time sleeping, then you can enhance the impact of stress in your life. Even disturbed sleep at night is problematic, so speak with your doctor about a health concern like sleep apnea if you wake up frequently.

Here is a quick guide for how to get more quality sleep in your life.

3. Have a Chat

socializing makes us feel happier
We all need someone whom we can talk with.

Talking with someone about a stressful incident is a helpful way to process challenging and bothersome emotions. Even if you only get a few moments to distract yourself from the issue, this coping mechanism helps to release some of the tension in your body. You will also get to talk through the incident to make better choices afterward since another perspective can provide an added level of clarity.

4. Write in a Journal or Diary

keep a diary
Writing down your thoughts regularly can be a form of stress relief.

Some people keep a daily diary that discusses the pros and cons of their day as a way to cope with stress. If you don’t like the idea of committing to a long-term coping solution, then try a stress journal instead. Write down the issues which were bothersome to you, including who you were with and what triggers caused the difficult emotions. Make sure that you rate your stress levels as well. This process will make it easier to recognize future events should they occur.

5. Incorporate Relaxation Techniques

learn how to relax
Exercises like yoga can bring about a sense of peace and calm.

Meditation is an effective way to reduce the impact of stress in your life. Try to carve out a 20-minute block each day to incorporate this technique or another relaxation option so that you can have a guaranteed time away from the problem. If you make this stress-busting mechanism a priority, then it can have a significant impact on your life. Even listening to soothing music or a guided relaxation program can provide numerous benefits that reduce the power of stress in your life.

6. Find a Picture to Color

coloring to relieve stress
Some people will find coloring relaxing.

Adult coloring books offer a stress reduction outcome that is similar to what meditation offers. By focusing on the task of completing an intricate image, your mind can begin to process the adverse impacts that a challenging situation provides. If you don’t like the idea of sitting down with some Crayons or colored pencils for stress management, consider downloading an app that colorizes an image based on touchscreen taps.

7. Manage Your Time

good time management
Only schedule as much as you can and no more to avoid burnout.

It is easier to feel overwhelmed if you do not have control over your schedule. Although it can be challenging to accept that there are circumstances which are outside of your control, creating a prioritized set of tasks each day that you can complete will help you feel like you accomplished something. Create time blocks in your schedule where you can focus on one group of similar chores at a time. Then your focus will be on getting to the finish line instead of what the next problem might be.

In a Nutshell

learn to say no
We can always say ‘no’.

The most vital skill you can develop in your life is to learn how to say “No” when you already have too much stuff on your plate. There are many reasons why people over-commit themselves, ranging from a fear of rejection to a desire to help someone in need. There are only 24 hours in each day, and most people need one-third of them for sleeping.

By keeping these coping strategies in mind, you won’t completely eliminate stress – but you will keep it at a manageable level. And for many of us, this is good enough for a start.