Although you can’t control some things that cause stress like losing your job or a parent’s illness, you can take steps to control the negative effect of stress on your body.
Take charge of stress by:
• Rallying your support system. This can be a network of friends who will listen so you don’t feel isolated.
• Journal or keep a “stress journal” to help you pinpoint your trigger issues so you can brainstorm ways to respond differently in the future.
• Visualize yourself less tense or visualize a nice scene such as the beach. This can help you feel refreshed.
• Take a deep breath. Slow, full breaths are the key to the relaxation response.
• Practice mediation. Mindful thought can help center you.
• Remind yourself that you have choices. When you have control, challenge and commitment you will find yourself with a better attitude.
It is within your power to stop complaining about your job, your kids or your bills. Focus instead on the positives such as your yoga class after work or creating action plans to incorporate healthy eating even when you work overtime or setting boundaries with friends/family.
By deciding to get outside of yourself and to stop dwelling on a problem you can bolster your sense of power and lift some of your anxiety. So again, employ self-care…take better care of yourself…get enough sleep, eat well and exercise so you will be more distress resistant.