We’ve all heard a million times how stress has just as big an impact on our health as if we ate fast food every day. Stress has been dubbed “The Silent Killer.” And, it’s true – if you don’t manage your stress levels, you are setting yourself up for a host of health problems, not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well. So, when times get tough, and they always will sometimes, that’s a fact of life; it’s vital to have a tool kit of skills you can utilize to manage stress during the difficult seasons of life.
Own Your Health
It’s critically important that you know how to take control of your health. We often ignore problems until they’ve spiraled out of control and don’t seek medical intervention until it’s progressed to a point it makes it harder for our doctors to treat. That’s why taking ownership and accountability of your personal health is critical. Make it a priority to maintain a healthy weight, a positive mindset, and get enough sleep every day. When you’re practicing healthy habits and making positive lifestyle choices, when times of stress do strike – and they will – you will be in better “fighting shape” to manage and navigate the stressful situations. So, own it!
Ask For Help
Many people have difficulty admitting when they need help and reaching out to others for assistance, even in difficult times. It’s a cultural thing in many places, for sure. If you find that it’s hard for you to let people in when it comes to struggles you’re having during the crisis, let it go and try to reach out to those closest to you and let them know you’re having a hard time. If you are a religious or spiritual person, part of this process can also look like asking the higher power you believe in to help you carry some of the burdens of what you’re going through. And, as always, if you are having depressive thoughts and feeling really struggling, remember you are loved, and it is paramount that you seek professional help for these dark thoughts you are having.
Manage Physical Stress
When our bodies are in tough shape, keeping the positive mindset we need to get through the tough times can be challenging. Find ways that help keep your physical ailments at bay. Make sure you’re keeping up with routine GP appointments, getting yearly physicals, and regular dental care. If your doctor has told you the inflammation in your knees can no longer be managed by medicine, look for other ways to deal with it. These could be supplements or products you can find online at websites like this one: drinkdefy.com/products/muscle-balm. Get creative with what you need to do to manage any problems you may be experiencing and see what works best for you.
You Are What You Eat
Maintaining a healthy diet might not be the first thing that comes to mind when people are going through stressful seasons of life, but the reality is, if you fuel your body with over processed junk food, you’re not going to be able to roll with the punches the way you need to. Instead, choose healthy, whole food options that will give your body nutritious fuel to keep pushing through. An added benefit of eating healthily during times of stress is that you may find it helps you so much that you’re then able to commit to a healthy eating lifestyle that will serve you for years to come, likely a lifetime. So remember, while it’s easy to reach for sugary, convenience snacks, especially when you’re worn out and things are chaotic, stock your fridge and pantry with healthy options instead, and you’ll see just how much easier stress is to manage.
Take Time For Yourself
Depending on the stress in your life, it can be easy to want to turn inward and feel wrong about things and wallow. While brief moments like this are beneficial, find something you enjoy doing by yourself that helps ease a load of stress you’re going through, whether that’s through physical exercise, journaling, or singing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs. It’s essential to take time for yourself to refuel and recharge.
This list doesn’t include everything you need to do to manage the stress and hard times that will come your way through life, but it does address some areas that we all admittedly may be neglecting. So make sure you understand that you’re not alone, and there are tangible, easy ways to help you through the difficult days. Take charge of your health, and it will pay off for a lifetime. Here’s to your health!
Bonus Tip: Why not try doing something fun and different every day? This has been shown to be a great way for many people to turn their day around. Try adding small, positive elements to your daily routine, like watching a funny video, reading an inspirational quote, or visiting fun websites like fortune-telling sites.