How to Manage Stress

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy…”

We all know the lyrics to the famous Bobby McFerrin song, but it’s not always as easy as singing your troubles away. Even if you’re an upbeat person by nature, you’re only human – and stress happens to everyone.

But whether you’re dreading your to-do list or worrying your way to the weekend (just a few days away!), there are ways you can try to cope with the stress in your life. Here are a few of our tips.

• Think positive. Most of the time, you know that whatever is stressing you out will end eventually. So, take a positive point of view about the situation. Studies show positive thinking can reduce anxiety and help you deal with challenging problems.
• Don’t overreact. Instead, take a few deep breaths, which can slow your heart rate and help calm you down. Breathing deeply gives you a chance to pause, assess the situation, and perhaps realize it is not that bad.
• Deal with stressors one at a time. For many people, it’s not just one thing causing stress. It’s a combination of a lot of things. When you start to address each issue individually, you may find that things are not as overwhelming as they seem.
• Lower your expectations. If you’re the kind of person who takes on too much or sticks with a task until everything is perfect, you may be setting yourself up for chronic stress. No one can do everything or do everything perfectly. So, consider where you might be able to scale back the pressure.
• Talk to someone. Social connections and support are always essential and even more important when dealing with stress. Spend time sorting through your feelings with someone who cares about you, like your spouse, a friend, or a colleague. And if you need more help, consult a professional therapist or medical provider.

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