Stress is a motherfucker, am I right? It creeps up on us when we least expect it and can leave us feeling like we’re drowning in a sea of responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations. It can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially when the stress is overwhelming and it seems like there’s no escape. But guess what? There are things you can do to manage your stress and prevent it from taking over your life. In this post, we’re going to talk about four ways to manage overwhelming stress: rest, breath work, asking for help and letting go of control.
First of all, let’s talk about rest.
You might be thinking, “Duh, of course, I need rest!” But hear me out. When you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it can be tempting to push yourself even harder and try to power through it. However, this approach is only going to lead to more stress and burnout in the long run. Instead, take a step back and focus on taking care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious food, and make time for self-care activities that you enjoy. Whether it’s taking a bubble bath, going for a hike, or binge-watching your favorite show, make sure you’re taking time for yourself and allowing yourself to recharge.
Next up, let’s talk about breath work.
This might sound a little woo-woo but bear with me. Breath-work is all about using your breath to help calm your body and mind. When you’re feeling stressed, it’s common to hold your breath or breathe shallowly. This only adds to the feeling of stress and anxiety. By focusing on your breath and taking slow, deep breaths, you can activate the relaxation response in your body and help to reduce stress levels. Try this simple breathing exercise: close your eyes, take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this for a few minutes and see how you feel.
Another key aspect of managing overwhelming stress is asking for help.
We often feel like we need to do everything on our own and that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But the truth is, we all need help from time to time, and there’s no shame in admitting that. Reach out to friends and family, talk to a therapist, or join a support group. Having a support network in place can make a huge difference in managing stress and feeling like you’re not alone in your struggles.
Finally, let’s talk about letting go of control.
This can be a tough one, especially for those of us who like to be in control of everything. But here’s the thing: we can’t control everything. And trying to do so is only going to lead to more stress and anxiety. Instead, try to focus on what you can control and let go of the things that you can’t. Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment, instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.
So there you have it, four ways to manage overwhelming stress: rest, breath work, asking for help, and letting go of control. Remember, it’s okay to feel stressed from time to time, but it’s important to take care of yourself and find healthy ways to manage that stress. It's a process and takes time, patience, and consistent effort. But with the right tools and support, you can learn to better manage your stress and prevent it from overwhelming you. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods and find what works best for you. And if you need a little extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member, or professional for support. You’re not in this alone, and it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself. So take a deep breath, give yourself a break, and let’s tackle that stress head-on.
