In today’s fast-paced world, stress can feel like an unavoidable part of daily life. But the key to managing it isn’t to push it away; it’s about finding healthy ways to cope that make you feel stronger and more balanced.
Imagine swapping out late-night stress eating or endless scrolling for habits that recharge your mind and body instead.
There are plenty of ways to handle stress in ways that truly support your well-being. According to Psych Central, Tanya J. Peterson, a certified counsellor and mental health educator, suggests checking in with yourself daily and pausing when experiencing distressing thoughts or emotions to deactivate the fight, flight, or freeze response. “Doing this activates the part of your nervous system that signals the body to rest and digest.”
The above publication also mentions that accepting stress is essential, but it doesn’t mean giving up or conforming to it. Battling stress doesn’t eliminate it, and coming to terms with the expectation of stress can help cope with life’s challenges. “By accepting stress, you can stop fighting it. Battling stress and trying to shove it down doesn’t get rid of the stressor. It may even make you feel more stressed. Coming to terms with the fact that you can expect a certain amount of stress in your life may make it easier to cope when life throws you a curveball.”
Sutter Health advises that you practise relaxation techniques to promote restfulness. It is suggested that you take breaks, listen to music, read, or engage in activities. The mentioned publication adds that you consider mindfulness-based stress reduction courses or deep breathing or imagery practice.
Healthy coping strategies include exercise, relaxation techniques, social support, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT), states Positive Psychology. The publication claims that exercise reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function, whereas relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation improve mental health.
“Additional strategies that can improve mental and physical health are getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and avoiding alcohol (or consuming it in moderation). They do not impact stress directly, but they provide the scaffolding so individuals are better positioned to cope with stressful experiences effectively.”
