While stress may seem like an inevitable part of life, with bills to pay, a demanding career, a family to care for, and an endless “To Do” list, the truth is that there are ways to manage stress. Not only is it possible, it is essential to your own health and happiness. Too many people turn to drug and alcohol abuse to drown out uncomfortable emotions like anxiety. So how do you take the reins from the stress in your life and take charge again?
Here are a few tips to help lower your stress level.
What is Causing Your Stress
In order to really do something about stress, you must first identify the source of the problem. Now, this isn’t a walk in the park. Sources of stress are rarely obvious–otherwise you would be dealing with them, wouldn’t you? Usually what you think is the source of the problem may not be the problem at all.
According to a USA Today article the four main causes of stress are:
- Money
- Work
- The Economy
- Relationships
Quite often, people who feel crushed by stress are in fact being crushed by a “friend” or associate. Closely examine the people in your life. Does anyone continually make snide comments about you or your loved ones? Does he or she have a knack for making you feel small or unimportant? People like this can be very skilled at camouflage, making it seem like others are the problem, not them. Take a look at such a person’s life. Are those around him flourishing and happy, or do his friends and family seem to be struggling in life?
If you can think of anyone like this in your life, consider ways to handle him or her so that he is no longer creating stress for you. Sometimes just being aware of his habits can reduce his influence over you. Don’t let his comments and behavior crush your dreams or actions. Continue to prosper despite such people, and they will simple fade away. Feel free to limit the amount of time you spend with such people, or if you need to, end the relationship entirely.
Surround Yourself With Loved Ones
On the flip side, it is important to surround yourself with people you love, who make you feel confident and contribute to your happiness. Having a trusted friend that you can talk to during tough times can also ease the stress of life. Sometimes just talking about your problems can help you solve them.
Take Control of Your Environment
The environment is chock-full of stressors, and to the degree that you allow them to run you, you will be overwhelmed no matter how hard you try. Avoid unnecessary stress by taking control of your environment and living your life the way you want it. Remove television and news channels, as these are rife with alarming reports. Avoid conversations about politics or religion if these set you off.
Make a Change
If you can’t avoid stressful situations, figure out how to change things when they are not the way you want them. Learn to say “No” in both your personal and professional life. Stay true to yourself and do not be afraid to speak up.
Make Time For Pleasure
It is just as important to make time for fun and relaxation as it is to fulfill your duties at work and with the family. If you regularly nurture yourself and do things that make you happy, you will be in a better place to handle the stresses of life when they do show up. Find healthy ways to relax such as taking a walk, calling a friend, working out, enjoying a cup of tea and a good book, getting a massage, listening to music or watching a comedy.
Remember that the use of drugs or alcohol is never a permanent solution for alleviating stress. However stress is one of the number on reasons why people take drugs.