A Basic Guide to Dealing with Stress

Apr 24, 2020 by Snap Fitness · Mental Wellness
A Basic Guide to Dealing with Stress feature image

Here are 10 simple tips that may be helpful for managing stress. 

  1. Breathe. When you feel the symptoms of stress coming on; increased heart rate, sweaty palms, dizzy head, short quick breaths, STOP AND BREATHE SLOWLY. Breathe in through the nose, hold it for 3 seconds, then out through the mouth. Repeat this 10 times or until you feel your heart rate start to slow down and muscles begin to relax.

  2. Meditation. Check out our meditation resource "A beginners guide to meditation". There is some great evidence to support meditation as a way to manage stress. 

  3. Try to think about the problem logically. We often make big problems out of small ones. Think about whether this stressful event will have any affect on your life in one year. What will stressing about it achieve? Take a step back and look at the big picture. 

  4. Positive self talk. Show yourself some compassion, you're doing the best you can! Focus on what you've done well during this stressful event or period of time. 

  5. Learn from the experience. Maybe you made a mistake or had to endure something that was challenging, but try to learn from the experience and take any positives you can away from it. Maybe you've learned something invaluable you can apply when you find yourself in a similar situation in the future. 

  6. Seek social support! organise a dinner with your partner, friends or family and talk! Sometimes simply talking about the issue with someone else can help you see it from a different perspective. 

  7. Organisation. Anticipate upcoming challenges and prepare for them the best you can!

  8. Maintain good physical health! Eat fresh, whole foods and engage in the kind of exercise you enjoy often. 

  9. Have some 'me time' everyday. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour for yourself and do something you enjoy. Read a book, take a bath, go for a walk or watch your favourite TV show.  

  10. If you're struggling to manage your stress and anxiety, seek help from a health professional. Mental health is an extremely important part of overall well being, so if you need help don't hesitate to reach out and ask for it. 

Next time you're faced with a stressful event or situation, apply one or more of the steps above.