By: Cheryl Hitchcock
While some stressful situations do fade away with time, stress doesn’t usually just disappear without making some changes in your life. This could mean looking at a situation from a whole new perspective, taking steps to reduce the stress, and realizing the only person you can change is yourself.
The most important thing is to learn to cope with stress because it is an inevitable part of life. Stress can appear both as a bad “distress” or a good “eustress.” A person can be busy, glowing, and experiencing a happy event while dealing with a lot of fears, worries, and nervousness. When the stakes are high or there is a lot on your plate, stress tends to make an appearance.
Coping skills can and do make a difference and keep you healthier. If you’ve ever wondered what are some healthy coping skills for stress, here are some suggestions:
- Get it Off Your Chest. Reaching out to supportive friends, loved ones, or getting professional help is a good coping skill when you’re dealing with stress. This person can help you brainstorm your options, give you a second opinion on a situation, and just provide another perspective. It is also a great relief to know that you are not alone.
- View the Situation Differently. This means being objective and not allowing the stress to become skewed or overshadowed by your emotions. People who can do this well recognize that they have the ability to handle, or change anything within themselves. They take responsibility for their thoughts, emotions, and actions. They see themselves as being in charge of their own behaviors and the outcomes that they desire.
- Practice Mindfulness. Meditation and breathing exercises are a great tool to counter stress and learn mindfulness. In my book, Just Give Your Head a Shake, I talk about different meditation techniques, including a Buddhist form of meditation called Vipissana. There is also yoga, prayer, and connecting to your inner energy and Spiritual Core. These things will help you feel more peaceful, calm, and centered no matter what the storm.
- Honor and Be True to Yourself. If another person is causing you stress or anxiety, refuse to give your power up. You can take it back immediately by deciding how much or how little influence this individual will have in your life. Rather than argue with or give your energy away, turn the situation around by giving more to yourself. Visualize yourself in protective gear whenever that person is near, knowing that you have to power to enable how much negativity you will accept.
- Accept the Times of High Stress. Sometimes, it is just about impossible to avoid high stress. These are times when it is helpful to recognize for yourself that this is a temporary situation and that you are working toward a goal of peace and tranquility. Remember too that stress is a state of mind, so it can be alleviated, even in a demanding environment.
Finally, focus on the things in your life that are working. This will help keep you connected to the Universe and your higher power. When you’re more centered and open it’s easier to practice coping skills and move away from the negative effects of stress.
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About the Author:
Cheryl Hitchcock Author of “Give Your Head a Shake..and change your life for the better” is a Stress Management and Spiritual Coach with over 13 years of counselling and spiritual experience. Cheryl enables her clients to manage, as well as eliminate stress and related problems. She also conducts seminars and workshops that cater to Stress Management and Spirituality. For more information please visit the Success Formula for Change teleseminar series to help you move forward to find the job of your dreams.
