Stress Is Subjective Part 2

Managing your energy is the best way to prevent the feeling of overwhelm and stress. As mentioned in Stress is Subjective Part 1 last week, stress is subjective, and therefore there isn't one specific strategy that works for everyone. Finding what strategy works best for you may take time. With some strategies, you may feel an immediate change like meditation and breathing exercises, while others such as a change in diet and sleep schedule may need to be implemented for longer periods to feel a shift.

See coping skills below.

Coping skills to try:

• Breathing exercise - long exhalation, box breathing, use a breathing device like the relaxation
• Meditation
• Tapping
• Shower
• Vision drills (like pencil push up) with a long exhalation
• Heating pad on the belly
• Movement (go for a walk, run, dance, do any movement that is fun for you)

Here are some healthy ways you can reduce stress:

• Eat healthy (research has shown that gut function has an impact on depression and anxiety)
• Sleep 7-9 hours (good quality and quantity of sleep is important for the body and brain to recover and restore)
• Take a break from the news and social media
• Take breaks throughout the day
• Implement a good morning and evening routine 
• Limit screen time especially before bedtime
  
• Work in teams and limit the amount of time working alone
• Write in a journal
• Talk to family, friends, supervisors, and teammates about your feelings and experiences
• Know that it is okay to draw boundaries and say “no"
• Avoid or limit caffeine and the use of alcohol
• Practice gratitude
• Celebrate yourself (little accomplishments count!)

Recognize when you need more help.

If problems continue or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.

Did you know that anyone who needs suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or who has a loved one in crisis, can connect with a trained counselor by calling, chatting, or texting 988 (as long as the caller has telephone, cellular, or internet services available to them).