Stress Management Tips:
Oh Stress Management. This is a skill that we can never stop learning. As the stressors change in our lives so will the way that we tackle them. The way we manage homework looks different than the way we manage a sick family member, financial struggles, emotional struggles and so on. These tips are meant to be broad as a way to be as inclusive as possible to apply to more types of stressors. Don’t feel discouraged if these methods don’t work for you. We all function differently which means some things work for us and some things won’t. That’s okay! The most important thing is that as you try to tackle these stressors in your life is:
- You remain aware of a need for balance
- And keep an awareness that you are in need of support
How many times have we thought to ourselves “I don’t need help I got this,” only to dig ourselves into a hole of self doubt and defeat. I don’t wish this feeling upon any of us inshAllah. These are some things that I’ve used to help manage my stress that have made life feel a little more doable.
- Gratitude Journal
If you’ve read some of our previous articles you’ll notice this is a repeat and that’s because it is a VERY useful tool. Gratitude journals can contain everything from small issues that have just triggered frustration to serious turmoil that have taken you to a dark place. The gratitude journal can help organize the tangle of reeling thoughts in your head and helps you think through your situation logically when we are lost in our emotions. For a template of how to start your own Gratitude journal look at our previous post You Are Human!
2. Being Honest With Your Needs
Always be honest with what your needs look like. We are so quick to compare ourselves and assume that we should be able to function at the same level that we see our coworkers, colleagues or peers. The funny this is that we often make assumptions about people and put pressure on ourselves to achieve things that aren’t reality. You might see a peer seeming super happy, always having the energy for others and achieving all their goals. Remember that people put on fronts and you don’t know what their struggle looks like. Focus on you. What do you need in this moment? Do you need a day off? Do you need rest, a day with a friend, to focus on one goal and let the others go for a big. Everyone’s needs are different. Be true to yourself.
3. Short Term Goals
It can be really overwhelming to try to forecast everything that is to come in life and how we will manage it. The truth is none of us can predict the future (no one predicted 2020). Make attainable short term goals for yourself. this will help you to feel successful as you start conquering a series of small goals and can help you feel less overwhelmed. An example would be instead of the goal of finishing all of your to-do list by tomorrow, find the most important one and focus your energy on that. If it is an essay you have to finish, identify whether to do the outline, intro or body first. Be kind to yourself and set yourself up for success.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Don’t beat yourself up. If you are trying ALL the stress management tools and find yourself stressing over the fact that it’s not working or feels frustrating and exhausting, you need a break. Take a walk, grab a snack, take the nap. Your brain is telling you, you need a second to rejuvenate. Don’t push yourself beyond what you can handle. It will pay off in the end to be kind to your body.
Stress Management is important not only for your emotional health but for your OVERALL health as well. Check out “Stress: Coping with Everyday Problems” by Mental Health America!
For more help and guidance managing your stress give us a
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