10 ways to deal with stressful situations
It’s a reality of modern life: there’s just no way to avoid stress. What you can do is have some sure-fire stress zappers that help you cope better. Here are 10 strategies — both short- and long-term — to defuse the stress in your life for a healthier heart and a happier outlook. Choose the ones that work for you, or dream up your own.
Maintain a decluttered home. When you have a calm, safe haven to come home to, you’ll feel shored up to deal more effectively with external pressures.
Exercise regularly. It’s good for your heart and the rest of your body. And when your body feels good, you feel good.
Learn the fine art of saying “no.” It’s impossible to do everything. Knowing how to politely decline additional tasks and responsibilities is an essential modern skill.
Get a good night’s sleep. When you’re sleep-deprived, everything feels difficult, but when you’re properly rested, you’re more likely to gain a realistic perspective on life’s challenges.
Take time to smell the roses. Or enjoy the beauty of a brilliant autumn day. Nature reminds us of the relative scale of our problems, while grounding us in what’s real and important.
Practise random acts of kindness. Helping others induces a feel-good glow that casts a positive light on everything and everyone around us.
Change the way you think. Accepting that obstacles are inevitable, and slights are often unintentional, makes it easier to let go of harmful anger, resentment and frustration.
Get away from it all. A short walk, leaving the room, a minute of stretching, or taking 10 deep breaths are all good ways to distance your emotional engagement with a difficult situation.
Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals.
A healthy body is better able to cope with emotional and physical difficulties.
Have a larger goal. Whether it’s a hobby a love of fine art, or your dedication to your family, having bigger goals in life can help keep you from sweating the small stuff.