5 Practical Ways to Cope With Stress

Neurology experts strongly suggested that being optimistic may benefit physical health, while, researchers are now confirming that psycho-emotional stress may actually trigger physical inflammation in the body.

Truth is, we all have stress. Some days it’s worse than others, making you want to stay in bed, sleep all day, or punch a wall. Whether your stress is tied to a specific issue or is the kind that sticks around day in and day out, finding relief is vital. So, here are the 5 practical ways to cope with stress:

1. Consider What You Can Control -- And Work On That.

As human beings, we always fight to secure control over something or any situation that we are facing; apparently, it's just human nature. Nevertheless, losing control is a common stimulant of stress and anxiety disorders. Being in a situation that you are out of control is psychologically paralyzing and uncomfortable.

When it comes to coping with stress, anxiety disorders, or any sort of emotional pain – Acceptance has always been the best approach to recover. Relinquishing control may work miracles if we accept the fact that we don’t have total control over many things and circumstances in our life.

We don’t have total control over genuine and natural shifts in relationships; we don’t have control of the past; we don’t have complete control over a competitive job market or a profession that may not lend itself to a stable, sufficient income.

Instead of focusing on stuff that is beyond of our control, why don’t we focus on something that we can control?

“The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't have control over your situation.” Chris Pine

While you can’t control your boss’ decisions; what your neighbors say or the nation’s financial crisis -- you can control your perspective -- you can control your response.

There’s no other path to recovery aside from accepting the fact that we are finite, yet it doesn’t matter -- life is to be lived.

2. Realize The Distinction Between Worrying And Caring.

Clinical psychologist Chad LeJeune, Ph.D., in his book, “The Worry Trap: How to Free Yourself from Worry & Anxiety Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy”, made a compelling distinction between Worrying and Caring.

“Worrying is an attempt to exert control over the future by thinking about it,”

whereas caring is taking action.

“When we are caring for someone or something, we do the things that support or advance the best interests of the person or thing that we care about.”

LeJeune also used a simple example about houseplants. He said:

“If you are away from home for a week, you can worry about your houseplants every single day and still return home to find them brown and wilted. Worrying is not watering.”

Just this simple shift in mindset from worrying to caring can help you adjust your reaction to stress.

3. Make a To-Do List -- Prioritize!

While setting goals and deadlines may sometimes stimulate our stress level, nevertheless, there’s more advantage in organizing our goals, especially if done appropriately.

Why don’t we try stepping back for a moment? Sometimes we need to withdraw to get refreshed or get a wider perspective. Besides, it’s quite difficult to organize our thoughts, especially if we are clouded by anxiety and stress.

Brainstorm your activities, make a To-Do list based on daily, weekly, or monthly activities. Then, prioritize the tasks by importance and urgency; also pick off the negotiable from your plate.

If you’re still overwhelmed, I urge you to focus on one step at a time. Take Lao-Tsu’s subtle advice:

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao-Tsu

Start your day by fixing your bed or jogging for 30 minutes, by achieving these short-term goals -- you’re building your momentum, and a positive sense of success and control -- this will even help you to get motivated and focused.

I also recommend using some mobile apps such as IKE-To-Do List by Pocket Universe, LLC; downloadable from Google Play.

4. Exercise

While exercising increases one’s own overall health and sense of well-being, yet, exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits.

First, physical activity helps bump up the production of endorphins. It’s a chemical naturally released in the brain to reduce pain, that in large amounts can make you feel relaxed or full of energy.

Second, exercise is a meditation in motion. Whether it’s just a little stretching or several laps in jogging, you'll often find that you've forgotten the day's irritations and concentrated only on your body's movements.

Lastly, it improves your mood. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence, it can relax you -- it can lower the symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and mild depression.

5. Be Socially Active

I’m not just referring to your social media activity. I‘m talking about real social interaction.

A recent study concludes that the two top predictors of happiness and life longevity involves two features of social life:

First, your close relationships; these are the people that you can call on for a loan if you suddenly need money. These are the people who will take you to the hospital; or who will sit with you if you’re having an existential crisis if you’re in despair.

Secondly, is Social Integration. This means how much you interact with people as you move through your day. How many people do you speak to? This means both your weak and strong ties, so not exactly the people you’re really close to, who mean a lot to you. Do you speak to the woman who walks by your house every day with her dog? Are you a member of any social club?

These interactions are one of the strongest predictors of how happy your life will be and how long you’ll live.

Conclusion

Stress is complex. It's not enough to resort to Band-Aid approach -- one approach to work with all stressors in all situations at all times. We can’t just rely on one approach. So, when trying to manage stress -- its necessary to be equipped with effective tools or techniques to cope with it.