Managing Stress

Stress is normal. We are born feeling stress if only in the birth process and procedures entering our new world. Abnormal stress is normal, too! It’s how we handle abnormal stress that affects our way of life.

Some people eat junk food- i.e. carbohydrates or sugary sweets to cope. The momentary high off the sugar is enough to keep them coming back for more.

Some people go for over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, or smoking and vaping as it is referred to now. They know the risks associated with the behavior but ignore them.

Some people go for the emotional outlet screaming at someone, having sex, or going through a small mental meltdown. They berate themselves afterward.

Some people go for physical exertion, running, walking, lift weights, contact sports. Done to the excess.

A healthy outlet can be physical workouts, meditation, yoga. Listening to music, dancing, writing or journaling, eating a quick energy/protein snack. Talking to a friend or sympathetic person or paying attention to a pet. Doing arts and crafts can help defuse and get you past a tense situation. Use fidget toys or squeeze stress balls for a light physical drain of excess energy.

The key to preventing stress overload is the unerstanding of your triggers. Family get-togethers can become drama fests, Negotiating with a teenager, dealing with cranky people, not getting enough rest and sleep. Once you have identified your triggers. Make a plan.

Planning ahead of time scenarios that can happen. If its family drama for you then, rehearse some calming “I” statements (I feel Adjective about Action

An example: I feel sad that my parents divorced 45 years ago, but I’m dealing with it. Rather than my parents ruined my life when they divorced forty-five years ago. Or I feel crazy mad when you make that comment. Ones about ownership the other is placing blame and shame.

Self-efficacy or self-esteem is important when dealing with abnormal stress. It should be noted that abnormal stress can be both positive or negative or both. an example: I got a raise and promotion at work, but I have to put in overtime.

Felling happiness or sadness are both neutral emotions that can provoke internal conflicts. Choosing an emotional response to stimuli is a subconscious choice that may affect our conscious self.

Make your self a box of de-stressing materials that you can physically go to and use to help you decompress after a stressful event occurs.