Stress management for difficult times

Circle of Wellness
Emotional

Unexpected hurdles are a fact of life. When tough times arrive, such as illness, the illness of a loved one, poverty, or any other obstacle, you need to give yourself space to cope. The following is a guide to living happily, even when you feel overburdened.

Talking it out

When your stress levels are at their maximum, you may feel a huge range of emotions in a single day. This is normal, so don’t be hard on yourself if you sometimes become upset.

Whenever you can, focus on the bright side of your situation. Laugh as much as possible, and give yourself time to play. And don’t forget to let it all out sometimes. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust will help you unwind, and will also let others understand your situation. Let your listener know if you just want to talk or if you are seeking advice. If it is advice you want, choose listeners who won’t mind if you don’t take their suggestions.

Understanding the Problem

Sometimes stress can come from having unanswered questions. Be sure to educate yourself about the problems you are dealing with, and learn what you can do to improve your situation. Your doctor should be able to point you in the right direction.

When meeting with a doctor, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Recording your meeting will ensure that all the information is remembered. If after your meeting, you find you have more questions, call back.

Tough as it is, it’s important to be realistic about your situation, and how it will change over time. You will have to adapt as things change. While being realistic about your circumstances, you need also to realise that you have limits. Don’t try to tackle your problem on your own.

Getting Organised

Learn to prioritise. When lives are at stake, some things need to wait. Workplaces are often very forgiving of a rough spell, if they are informed beforehand of your problems. Schedule time to achieve your goals. Use a personal organiser to keep on top of tasks, and keep your space, backpack, and binder as orderly as possible.

Take Care of your Body

Make your health your first priority, or you may be at risk for stress-related illnesses. Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Make a good night’s sleep and regular exercise a priority, to improve your mood and give you energy. Additionally, visit your doctor regularly to make sure that your extra stress isn’t taking a toll on your body. If you have been diagnosed with a serious illness, remember that a little TLC and a positive attitude will make a noticeable difference in your health.

Remember to Unwind

Relaxation exercises, including stretching, meditating, yoga, muscle relaxation, and deep breathing, can go a long way in relieving stress. Give yourself ten to twenty minutes of relaxation exercises when you wake up and go to sleep. When you feel overwhelmed throughout the day, stop and take at least three deep calming breaths to clear your head. Also, make a habit of pausing to look out the window or stretch. Taking a bath, praying, or listening to a soothing CD can also do wonders for your stress level.

Gather a Support Team

A solid support crew of family, friends, and neighbours can really help ease your burden. Often, they want to help, but aren’t sure what to do. When someone offers some assistance, take it, but make specific requests. Do you need a baby-sitter while you unwind? A ride to the hospital? A friend to call when you need a boost? Some money to help make ends meet? Make a list of who is available to support you and what they can do. Some friends may be able to help out regularly; for others, assistance may only occur once. Next, ask your doctor if support groups, counselling, or other services are available.

Remember that you cannot handle difficult situations until you first take care of yourself. Prioritise stress reduction, and you will be able to tackle your obstacle with peace, creativity, and positivity.