Be a better Stress-Manager.

Stress Management and mitigation

• Bear in mind, stress isn't always a bad thing.

Stress can be, and is, an effective motivator. It's a survival instinct, after all!

Cortisol and the stress that accompanies it moves us to work toward solving potential problems, meeting deadlines and looking out for whats best, a comfortable mindset.

Reframing thoughts and emotions regarding stress as more of a tool than a barrier has been found to reduce many of the negative symptoms associated with it. The goal is to manage stress, not eliminate it.

• Talk about your problems, even if they can't be solved.

Simply voicing your stressors – even without the direct intention of solving them – releases hormones in your body, reducing the negative outcomes associated with stress. Time spent talking with friends and loved ones is valuable, even when you have a lot on your plate.

• Prioritising your responsibilities

Compartmentalise. Work on what is time-sensitive first.

Having a list of too many “to-dos” can be stressful, especially if only a few of them are urgent. Quickly knocking out the important stuff first will clear your mind to focus on other responsibilities without the clock unnecessarily ticking.

• Focus on the basics

Stress can result in basic needs being neglected. Your basic needs being neglected results in a stress-inducing environment, and so the cycle continues. Make a point to focus on your basic needs, such as eating well, keeping a healthy sleep schedule, exercising, and other forms of self-care.

• Don't put all of your eggs in one basket

People who are over-involved in one aspect of their life often struggle to deal with stress when that area is threatened. Balance your time and energy between several areas, such as your career, family, friendships, and personal hobbies.

• Set time aside for yourself

Personal time usually gets moved to the bottom of the list when things get hectic. However, when personal time is neglected, everything else tends to suffer. Set aside time to relax and have fun every day, without interruptions.

• Keep things in perspective

In the heat of the moment, little problems can feel bigger than they are. Take a step back and think about how important your stressors are in the boarder context. Will they matter in a week? In a year? Writing about your stresses will help you develop a healthier perspective.

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Whether stress is a daily part of your life, or you've noticed it getting in the way more often than not- these simple tips and tricks can help you action behaviours that lead to a less stress-dependent lifestyle.

Remember, true stress management means being an effective Stress-Manager.