6 Ways to Be More Relaxed During Stressful Times

It could be argued that stress management is a lot like time management. Everyone has the same amount of time in a day, but the individuals who are most productive tend to be those who are very careful about how they spend their time. In terms of tackling stress, the same principle applies. Stressful times affect everyone occasionally, but it’s possible to be happier and healthier if you figure out ways to combat them. Below are six ways that you can manage your stress and be more relaxed, even during the most stressful of times: 1. Focus on What’s Within Your Power to Change Stress can spiral out of control when people pay too much attention to factors of a situation over which they have no influence. For example, perhaps you’ve been told your apartment has been put up for sale and you have a month to find another place to live. As long as your landlord has the legal right to make that decision, you shouldn’t waste too much time stressing out over the fact you’re facing the nerve-wracking threat of not having a roof over your head. Instead, pour all your energy into searching hard for a new place to minimize what’s likely the primary cause of your stress. 2. Utter Positive Mantras You may also find it worthwhile to rely on the “speak it into being” principle. Put simply, that means verbally making positive statements, especially when your stress level tries to reach a high point. It may be something as basic as saying, “I am a fully qualified candidate for this job opportunity.” Although other people may be equally strong candidates, you can’t lose sight of the fact you’re a strong choice in your own right. Verbal mantras can be very helpful in allowing you to maintain or regain perspective during stressful times. 3. Get Immersed in Your Favorite Types of Media Films, TV shows, music and even websites can all help reduce stress by offering therapeutic distractions. A couple Mad Men episodes or a soundtrack featuring the latest tunes by Arcade Fire won’t be enough to make your stressful situation disappear, but turning to media could allow you to get lost in something other than the difficulties you’re facing. 4. Reach Out to a Friend There’s a common quote that reminds us how “a problem shared is a problem halved.” Stress can make even the strongest people feel momentarily helpless and unsure where to turn for relief. The next time your stress level tries to make you collapse under its burden, find refuge by talking to a trustworthy and caring friend. That individual may not be able to solve the situation that’s causing you to feel stressed, but the act of simply pouring your heart out to someone who has an attentive ear is often more than enough to help you realize you’re not alone, and that support is available. 5. Try Meditation Stress can sometimes feel so intense that it causes us lose sight of why we’re anxious, because the stress itself is so powerful and able to consume all parts of life. Tackle that problem by taking time to meditate. There are many types of meditation, and you don’t have to be an expert in order for one of them to help you relax. Some meditative activities coach you through guided relaxation to banish tension from head to toe, while others gently force you to come to terms with the foundational reasons why you’re feeling frazzled. 6. Break a Sweat Too much stress can cause us to sweat and have elevated heart rates in a way that’s unhealthy. However, engaging in a bit of strenuous exercise could be just the thing to cause both of those responses, yet make you feel less stressed as a result. Whether you walk your dog briskly around the neighborhood or hit the cardio machines at the gym with a friend, physical activity is a healthy way to manage stress, especially because it naturally creates mood-boosting endorphins. These are just some of many ways you can healthfully handle stress when the pressure starts to feel too great. You’ll undoubtedly come across more of your own as time goes by and you find out what works for you, but these suggestions should get you off to a solid start. Image by Lizzy Gadd