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Debi Levine, MS, LMFT

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Ideas for Coping With Stress

April 17, 2020 by Debi

Stress may be seen as an intense exertion causing much strain and/or effort. It is the wear and tear of life. Here are some ideas for coping with the stress in our lives.

RESPECT YOUR ABILITIES: Recognize your needs, forgive your errors.

DEFINE TASKS AT HAND: Determine what you want to accomplish and how you will proceed realistically. Work on one task at a time. Where anxiety creeps in, think about what else you may be trying to do and recheck your expectations. Are they too high?

LEARN TO ACCEPT WHAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE: Some circumstances are beyond our control. Accept realistic expectations and go about achieving them, with assistance if needed. Recognize your own limitations and the limitations of others.

CONFIDE TROUBLES: At times, confiding worries to a special friend or trained professional may relieve your stress. Often another person can help you to see your problem in a new light or find a possible solution. Worry constructively.

RELAX CREATIVELY: Take time to do something you really enjoy, or learn the art of loafing. If you set aside time to relax, don’t let anything interfere; even worrying about what you are not doing.

WORK OFF TENSIONS: Try a physical activity like walking, playing a game, gardening, chopping wood, or playing the piano.

TREAT YOURSELF TO SUFFICIENT SLEEP: Know how many hours you need. Is it 6, 8, or even 10? Having enough sleep regularly will help give you a refreshed energetic outlook on life.

TAKE MEDICATION CAUTIOUSLY: A physician may prescribe medications which may help relieve tension. Use only under his or her direction. Do not take sedatives or tranquilizers prescribed for others.

GET AWAY: Getting away physically and/or mentally can work wonders, especially as a preventive measure. If possible, take a vacation on a regular basis. If not, take a weekend off or even a few hours to bike ride or take a walk. Or, take a mental mini-vacation in order to provide a break in the day-to-day routine. It is always fun to plan a vacation to take in the future when your life is less complicated.

Filed Under: Anxiety & Stress, Covid 19, Grief & Loss, Self-care

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