You can’t always control the circumstances that life throws your way, but you can control how well you take care of yourself. Taking proper care of your body, soul and mind can keep you in optimum shape for handling stress. The following are some important basic self care strategies that can keep you functioning well and ready for life’s challenges.
Sleep is very important for your emotional and physical wellbeing. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your ability to handle stress, be productive, and
function properly. Unfortunately, busy schedules and stress can make sleep more elusive. Here are some important ways you can
make sleep come more easily. And if you really aren’t able to get enough sleep at night, don’t underestimate the value of a
power nap!
Exercise can be great for you physically and mentally. It provides a stress release and keeps your body healthy. It also helps your body release endorphins, which increase your feelings of overall wellbeing.
Read more on the positive effects of exercise, and find resources for getting started with an activity that suits you. (Hint:
Pets make great workout buddies!)
Social support can keep you healthier and happier, creating a buffer against stress. Friends can pick you up when you’re sad, provide insights when you’re confused, and help you have fun when you need to blow off steam. Learn how to
cultivate supportive friendships and
expand your social circle so you’ll have someone to lean on when stressed. (Don’t forget, it’s important to provide a supportive ear when your friends need it, too! Find out how to
develop effective listening skills.)
Having some “down time” is important, and hobbies can provide a nice distraction from stress and help you stay ‘in the moment’, which is also a great way to relieve tension. I recommend
drawing and
gardening as great stress relievers, but just about anything you enjoy can work. Here are some other
unconventional stress relievers that can provide some fun and distraction from stress.
Taking care of your body on the outside—with a spa treatment, for example, can work wonders for your internal state. Don’t overlook the importance of
pampering yourself on a regular basis, to feel great about yourself and feel ready to take on the world.
Much of what you experience in life can feel more stressful or less so depending of your point of view. Looking at things from an optimistic frame of mind can not only decrease your stress level, but bring you more success in life
and more. You can become more of an optimist by following these tips. You can even change ingrained
negative thought patterns to more positive ones by using
positive affirmations. (Not sure if you’re an optimist or pessimist?
Take this quiz.)
Keeping your emotions bottled up usually leads to an emotional explosion later on. It’s generally healthier to listen to your feelings, process them and try to understand them. Consider them ‘messengers’ that tell you when something is not right with your world. A great way to process emotions is the act of
journaling. When you write about your feelings, and potential solutions to your problems, you can reduce stress in your life and even see some
health benefits!
Research shows that a lifestyle including
religion or spirituality is generally a healthier lifestyle. Many people, especially seniors, use prayer as a major stress reliever and strategy for emotional health. You can use prayer to enhance your spiritual side, or use
meditation of you don’t feel comfortable with prayer. Spiritual practice is deeply personal, and whatever your practice, it should nurture your soul.
