Stress Less: Stress Management Techniques to Change Your Life

“Every day brings a choice: to practice stress or to practice peace.” —Joan Borysenko

Stress is something that everyone faces throughout their life — whether it’s because of work, interpersonal relationships, financial concerns or even small day-to-day challenges.  How we manage life’s stress makes a world of difference in maintaining our happiness and well-being.

Take a moment to reflect on how you view stress. Do you see it as temporary? For example, you might say, “I just have a million things going on right now.” Do you consider stress an integral part of your work or home life, or even part of your personality? Saying things like “things are always crazy around here” or “I just have a lot of nervous energy” could suggest this mindset. Do you attribute stress to external forces? If you’re unsure of how you view stress, try keeping a stress journal for a week and answer the following questions:

• What caused your stress?
• How did you feel physically and mentally?
• How did you act in response to the stress?
• What did you do to make yourself feel better?

Once you know how you view stress, it will be easier to manage it. Sometimes, it can be difficult to assess the coping skills we already use. Take a self-care assessment to determine if your current coping strategies are effective for you. If you find that you need new strategies, here are some tangible tips for how to manage stress:

• Keep a positive attitude: While this is easier said than done, you can start by accepting things that are outside of your control and reframing negative thoughts or problems
• Make time for hobbies and interests: Get creative or try something new that will help you release stress
• Move more throughout the day: Whether this is a short stretch, a walk or any form of exercise you enjoy, moving your body can help reduce stress
• Make sure you are getting enough sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours each night and create a sleep environment that feels like your sanctuary
• Practice gratitude: Write down three things you’re grateful for at the beginning or end of each day
• Find a balance between work, family life, social activities and self-care: Schedule time each month for yourself and make time for family and friends to maintain a work-life balance
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can lower stress levels; Try mindfulness meditation or simply be more present as you go about your day

Figuring out what works best for you is key to handling stress. Next time you feel stressed out, choose one of these strategies that you know will help you stress less!

About the author

Megan DiPietro

Ms. Megan DiPietro is a part-time team member on the Slainte Fitness team at USLI. She recently graduated from West Chester University with a degree in Psychology. At WCU, Ms. DiPietro was involved in a health and wellness club called CHAARG which developed her passion for fitness. She got into weight lifting in 2020 which has grown her love for wellness even more.