COPING WITH STRESS IN HEALTHY WAYS
Posted on January 26, 2016 by Dana Houk, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
How do you cope with stress? Do you cope with stress in harmful or healthy ways? Your ability to manage stress can affect your success.
It’s a fact; stress is a part of life. Most scientists believe that feelings of stress and discomfort are attempts by our brain to keep us safe. However, there are times that your brain leads you astray. Specifically, you can feel fear about a certain course of action, even if that action is the best option for you.
It’s also possible to react to legitimate causes of stress poorly. When we face change, we face a certain amount of stress with it. That’s why your brain works very hard to limit the amount of change in your life. In a similar fashion, your brain will try to prevent you from taking any action that might cause embarrassment or other form of anxiety.
So, the question is, are you going to let your brain control you or are you going to control your brain?
Coping with stress involves identifying legitimate concerns. For example, public speaking or asking someone on a date are not legitimate concerns. However, earning an income and protecting your life are. In addition, it’s important to understand your coping mechanisms and if they are harmful or healthy.
Here are some harmful ways of coping with stress:
Drugs and alcohol – you are risking your health, reputation and may possibly face imprisonment.
Over-eating – can increase weight gain, blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, guilt, anxiety, depression, etc.
Distractions – reading, watching TV, surfing the Internet, etc. While they seem harmless there is little benefit. You’re not hurting yourself, but it’s not helpful. Don’t avoid the real problem.
Here are some healthy ways of coping with stress:
Exercise – is a healthy choice if it’s done within reasonable parameters.
Meditate and problem solving – provide insight because you are taking action and exerting a level of control.
Be mindful – be aware of your current activities and environment. For example, if you are paying bills, your mind should only be aware of that activity.
How do you cope with stress?
Although it’s challenging, it’s important to train your mind to stay grounded, which can greatly reduce stress. Some of us adapt to changes quickly and others do not. Stress is a feeling your body created. The fear and anxiety you feel are merely chemicals coursing through your veins, but you can let those chemicals be effective without giving into them. When possible, allow stress to pass.
Your ability to evaluate and manage stress effectively is a prime determiner of your success. Many people are successful because of their ability to overcome and cope with stress in healthy ways.
