How To Deal With Stressors and Challenges

By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com Guide

Updated October 14, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Negative emotions such as anxiety, loneliness, and anger are unpleasant, but useful in that they give us information about the situations we’re in, and inspire us to take action in our lives. Sometimes these feelings can be so strong that they feel overwhelming, or so unpleasant that, unsure of how to deal with them, we turn to unhealthy coping behaviors to avoid feeling them. But if you’re able to sit with them, really feel them, and even notice where in your body they show up (tightness in your chest, soreness in your throat, headache), they can actually be easier to let go. It’s also important to identify what you’re feeling, and become aware of why you’re feeling this way (what are the precipitating factors?). This can help you know what area of your life needs action, so you can have a clearer picture of what needs to change.

As you feel tension in your body, learn to relax with progressive muscle relaxation, and see page 3: processing your feelings.

Previous

• How To Deal With Stress, Step 1: Stay Calm
• How To Deal: Feel Your Feelings
• How to Deal: Process Your Feelings
• How to Deal: Make Positive Changes
• How to Deal: Get Support If You Need It
• How To Deal With Specific Stressors

Next