How to Manage Stress

With the constant changes all around us, politically, socially, emotionally; the sense of overwhelm can take over. It is important to stay aware of what’s happening in the world, but it can also be good for us to take a step back and redirect our focus to things that we, ourselves, can directly impact and change. Stress, one of life’s inevitabilities, doesn’t need to aimlessly control our behaviors and reactions. It often signals a relevant fear, anxiety, elatedness and/or upcoming change. As such, something that we may see as an “unrelenting stressor” is often connected to what we value or care deeply about.

Because of the personal connection tied to stress, it becomes all the more important to surround ourselves with things, people, and places that help anchor and center us. This limits the impact of the onslaught of stress that we may encounter. Although the latter may seem obvious, in the midst of stress, many people end up losing sight of things and act in ways that they wouldn’t otherwise (out of character).

Ways to Reduce and Manage Stress

• Try to limit the amount of negative news consumption to a certain block of time per day or week.
• Give yourself a break – a healthy work-life balance is crucial to maintain emotional energy/reserves and helps to keep things in perspective
• Seek out activities, interests, and/or people who bring you joy or a sense of calmness
• Try to exercise at least 150 minutes per week (a mixture of both cardio and resistance)
• Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night
• A balanced diet consisting of lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and some simple carbohydrates (a moderate amount of fruit)

          - Limit processed simple carbohydrates and unhealthy fats

To note, if you are dealing with a crippling amount of stress, it’s okay to contact the appropriate medical professionals to help you to work a difficult period.  Asking for help is not a sign of weakness or failure,