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Stress has become a part of our everyday lives. Three out of every five people are battling with stress and anxiety related issues in their lives. Those people who don’t fight with such issues everyday often make ignorant remarks such as “just learn to deal with it”, “you over think too much” and “chill.” What they don’t realize is that their meaningless words are of no use to a person that is struggling with anxiety.
Here listed below are a few tips for dealing with stress that are likely going to help you deal with your situation.
Gain Some Perspective
We don’t always get what we want, and that is quite normal, nobody does. While some people may deal with it easily, others have a hard time coming to terms with things as simple as that.
For instance, a friend of mine always used to get stressed during exams. She used to experience so much stress that she often had panic attacks that left her drained and incapable of studying as much as she could.
What I used to say to her was that “ask yourself what is the worst that can happen? Will you die? Will someone you love die? Will people around you love you any less? Would you lose the roof over your head? Will you not be able to eat?” If the answer to these questions is no, then think again... is it really worth getting this stressed over?
Come Up With a Problem-Solving Mechanism
Once you have asked yourself all the questions, the next step is to find or create a mechanism to solve your problems. If you have watched ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ you might remember the thought palace that he mentions, the place that he goes to think and ponder over situations. You should have your own mechanism.
For example, one day I came back from college and for some reason, my door lock wouldn’t open. A normal person would have called someone the moment they realized what's wrong but I just couldn’t. I stood there swearing at the lock, cussing at myself and then finally I took a deep breath and thought of my three options.
1) keep doing what I am doing,
2) start screaming at the owner,
3) break it and call a locksmith (or vice versa).
First I wanted to stick with what I was doing, granted that it wasn’t beneficial at least I was taking it out on something; however, I went with the third option and finally got it open. You see normal situations become hard to handle for those who battle anxiety.
Accept That Your Control is Limited
A prominent source of stress is the fact that one cannot accept the loss of control. For example, if A leads to B, and B leads to C, then the desired result should be attained at all times. You see I couldn’t handle the fact that the lock would not open because the key is supposed to open the lock and then the door should open. When things did not go as they should, I could not cope with it. A lock is a small machine and they can have problems, it was something that my mind at that moment could not accept.
Meditating and realizing that our control on life is limited can give us great perspective and ease our anxiety.
Meditation
While it may seem cliché, meditation can help people with anxiety work through their stress and get better. Our lives have become so busy that we are constantly thinking of the next thing that is about to happen. From the moment you open your eyes, you start thinking about getting fresh, taking a shower, shaving, brushing, get ready, etc. While you are doing that you’re thinking about work, meetings, college, dates, while you're doing that you have a hundred other things in mind. You should make it a routine to take out half an hour for meditation.
You can start from 5 to 10 minutes and then move on. Know that it won't be easy in the beginning but if you focus it can help you a great deal. If you want some products to help you out, then check out Shaded Co!
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to deal with your stress. Whenever I feel the overwhelming stress that I don’t think I can handle, I go for a very long run. Running is something that I like; you can see what comforts you and stick to it. A friend of mine dances, another goes for weights- every person has their own comfort zone, and once you find that out, you can make everything a lot easier.
Prioritize the Positive People Around You
Another thing that you should do is remove yourself from stressful situations. I have often been in very stressful relationships, friendships and even a few stressful family relationships. The thing is that people with anxiety find it hard to say no to people and that is why they often get stuck in unfavorable situations.
People come and go; you should try to make a decision and stick to it. It is okay if negative people lose touch as time moves on. It is not your responsibility to keep people together. Know that you should love yourself and make yourself, as well as the positive people around you, your number one priority.
Take Some Time Out for Yourself
I often used to spend a considerable amount of my time in front of the computer working. In the beginning it wasn't a problem, but after six months it became harder and harder for me to keep up. I started getting headaches, body pain, etc. It was then that I realized how hard I was pushing myself. It is okay to work hard, but working at the cost of your health can prove to be destructive.
If you follow the above-mentioned tips, you will surely feel a lot better. Know that life is a gift; people say you only live once, but I beg to differ. You only die once you live every day of your life. Live your life daily and intentionally and don't let it pass you by.
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About the Author:
Currently a student of English Literature, in her final years, Carolina Martel is passionate about writing her thoughts in words. She takes up writing projects in her leisure time to accompany her studies. Generally, she understands the essence of writing on every topic but especially those that relate to her field. She regularly writes at https://shadedco.com/.