4 Tips to Take On Stress & Anxiety

Anxiety. A word that just at the mention of its name causes your heart rate to speed up, your mind to race, and it creates a feeling of tension in your body.

Stop holding your breath and keep reading.

Stress. Another word that makes you feel overwhelmed and unfocused, and at a loss at what to do.

Stop clenching your hands and take a deep breath.

Both of these nouns all too easily elevate to verb status these days, and in all likelihood, you’ve felt one or both of these things at some point in your life.

The reality is that between family, world, work, and worry, anxiety and stress can find us just about anywhere. We care deeply and when the people and things we care most about are at some perceived risk, we react both inwardly and outwardly to them.

Some of the ways anxiety and stress manifest themselves in our bodies are by causing: shortness of breath, headaches, sleep problems, digestive issues, social anxiety, chest pain, fatigue, mental anguish, among many other symptoms that can either commonly visit you or infrequently stop by.

While there are many different strategies and ideas out there on how to help fight these symptoms and their root causes, here are just 4 tips you can practice when you find yourself taking on stress and anxiety. Try these strategies to help you work through those SAT (Stress, Anxiety, and Tension) moments to put yourself in a better overall mental and physical space.

1 - Be Proactive

Try to get ahead of the mental and physical symptoms you exhibit by becoming aware of the causes or triggers that bring them on. Maybe it’s when you turn on the news or social media and go down the rabbit hole of ‘what-ifs’ of scenarios that could plague you or your loved ones. Maybe the SATs come when your daunting list of things ‘to do’ in your life brings you that stirring stress.

Whatever your triggers are, knowing what they are is half the battle. Knowledge is power and having this knowledge, puts you in power and not the source of the stress. Just like seeing your opponent's cards in a poker game, you know what’s coming and you can plan your next move accordingly to help prevent an unnecessary loss and give that win to you instead.

2 - Not My Monkeys, Not My Circus

Remember that you can only control what you can control. Although things going on in the world or at a nationwide level can certainly be concerning, there (very) likely is nothing you can do about them right now to take away the concern you have concerning them. Learn to let go of these things, and like I say, “Bless and Release” these worries that you consciously, or unconsciously, hold onto; they don’t serve you.

Focus your energy on the things close to home that truly can influence and impact you and your family. Turn off the news, stop scrolling social media, and put on an uplifting podcast or catchy tunes instead. Spend quality time with those you love, cook healthy foods, make memories, and just do your best. Feel the stress rising? Take a deep breath, take a break, and give yourself grace - we’re all just human after all.

3 - Get Going

Move. Get your body moving and be more active. Physical activity is obviously good for your physical body as it helps build physical strength and cardiovascular endurance and this puts you in a better position to fight off ailments and illnesses that stress and anxiety can bring with them.

Moving your body is also good for your mental health, the fresh air will help refresh your soul, and renew your mind as you are more likely to feel the endorphins release and positive thoughts and ideas flood your brain - pushing aside the negative thoughts and leaning towards a brighter side of life. Try doing just a little more than you are now - check out yoga, taking a walk, pumping iron, or anything that sparks interest in you. A habit of physical activity will also help build a habit of healthier mental activity.

4 - Talk It Out

One of the best ways to take on the SAT Monster is to find someone to join your ghostbuster squad. Find a pal to join you during your “Get Going” time to help you be more accountable to regular activity and you’ll also score an ear to talk to as a bonus. Getting out of our own head is one of the best ways to sort out feelings associated with stress and anxiety, and for that matter, any positive or negative thoughts and events you have going on.

And there may be times when talking to a friend or family member isn’t quite enough to help us through our struggle. Talking to your doctor, a therapist, a mental health counselor, or other mental health professional is an excellent idea. Just like we see a doctor for a physical illness, seeing someone for a mental struggle is just as logical. While we are still fighting to normalize caring for our mental health, the benefits to doing so faaaaaar outweigh any negatives to doing it. You may need to dig a little deeper in your courage bank to make that phone call, but you, your family, and your loved ones will be sooo glad you did.

What will YOU do today to care for your mental health?

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