The 6 best ways to beat stress during high-stress times

Are you feeling stressed out? These days, just about everyone is. Luckily, there are tons of ways to reduce stress. But how do you know which ones to choose when your time is already stretched to the max.

Well, it turns out that it depends on the type of stress you are dealing with. Is the stress-causing event controllable or uncontrollable? Is the stress chronic — for example from your job — or situational — for example from a recent experience? Are you already in a high-stress state, or are you hoping to build skills that help you automatically prevent future stress?

Below you will discover the 6 best ways to reduce stress when you are already totally stressed out.

1. Exercise

Exercise is commonly applauded for its positive impacts on disease an overall health, but exercise has also reliably been shown to boost mood. The higher the intensity of the workout, the more you will benefit. So when you start to feel your stomach get knotted, exercise is the best medicine.

2. Breathe deep

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is sometimes referred to as the “brakes” for stress. Stop and take a few deep breaths when you start to feel yourself getting tense or agitated.

3. Practice acceptance

The common adage, “accept the things you can not change” is indeed good advice when it comes to stress. So reflect on whether you can change what is causing you stress or if you should try to accept it.

4. Find solutions

In the second half of the adage, it goes, “change the things you can”. Indeed, finding solutions to the problems that are causing your stress is a more effective way to reduce stress when what is causing your stress can be changed. So if you can change your situation, choose this technique.

5. Limit caffeine

Caffeine affects your body in ways that increase anxiety and reduce sleep, prohibiting your recovery from stress. So to decrease your overall stress level, cut out the coffee and soda.

6. Develop a challenge mindset

Just about any event in life can cause stress, depending on whether it’s interpreted as either a challenge or a threat. If you feel threatened by your situation, you’ll be stressed. But if you instead view the situation as a challenge — or an opportunity to overcome adversity — you’ll be able to transform some of your stress into invigoration. So practice viewing your stress as a challenge — and have confidence that you can overcome that challenge.

In sum

Stress is never easy, but if you understand the origins of your stress, you can begin to make wiser decisions about how to stop it. And these 6 stress-busting techniques can help you.

Want more tips, join our mailing list.

Originally published at www.berkeleywellbeing.com.