
This continues the discussion on coping with the 4 types of stress (encounter stress, anticipatory stress, situational stress and time stress). Stress negatively affects health and well-being. Stress is “how the brain and body respond to any demand.” Coping with stress would include changing demands if possible and/or changing how you respond to these demands.
We each experience stress differently so these tips are starters and suggestions. If you have tools and tips that work for you of course do use them!
It’s important to recognize early signs and symptoms of stress, so you can better manage stress. Do you get irritable or angry? Do you have headaches, sleep problems, eating problems? Do pay attention to your mood, emotions and feelings.
4 Tips to Cope with Encounter Stress (related to interactions with people)
- Recognize signs of stress early. Take a break. Breathe. Take a walk.
- Build/improve your people skills.
- Let go of grudges, anger, and resentments. Remember that people including you have imperfections. We can and do make mistakes. Accept people are not perfect.
- Practice radical acceptance. Some stressors in life are unavoidable and out of your control. Accept people life not perfect.
4 Tips to Cope with Anticipatory Stress (dread about some future occurrence)
- If your stress is related to feeling unprepared. Take necessary steps to build mastery and confidence. Prepare appropriately for the situation (test, meeting, presentation).
- Practice positive visualization (a form of mental rehearsal) of the future event/occurrence. Have a specific goal/outcome in mind as you rehearse. Use all your five senses as you paint a detailed mental picture of your desired outcome happening now in the present moment.Do this one or more times daily.
- Start/continue a mindfulness practice. Learn to focus on the present without judgment.
- Practice focusing on the positive about life. Limit focus on bad news and catastrophes.
What stresses you most? How do you reduce stress?
Do share