age is really just a number

Tips to find balance and calm

You can’t do away with all the stress in your life and it’s not healthy to avoid situations that need to be addressed, but there are many ways to eliminate unnecessary sources of stress. 

Tips to eliminate unnecessary stress: 

• Learn to say “No.” Know your limits and stick to them.
• Shorten your To Do List. If you’re overloaded, decide which things are “must do.” 
• Ask for help. If you have more on your plate than you can handle time to raise your hand and ask others to help you.
• Avoid aggravating topics, if you can. Don’t argue over and over about the same subject with the same people.

If you can’t avoid a stressful situation try to change it. This may mean changing your actions and the way you communicate. 

• Express your feelings instead of internalizing them. 
• Compromise. 
• Respond from a place of empowerment, rather than reactiveness.
• Be assertive. Deal with your problems head on. 
• Manage your time better. Poor time management can make you feel frantic and cause a lot of unnecessary stress. 

If you can’t change the cause of the stress, you can change your perspective. Regain your sense of control, which is critical to managing stress. 

• Reframe the problem. Try to view stressful situations in a more positive perspective. 
• Look at the big picture ask yourself how important the stressful situation will be in the long run? Does it really matter in five years?
• Adjust your standards. Perfectionism is a big source of avoidable stress. Set reasonable standards for yourself and others. 
• Focus on the positive. Take time to reflect on all the good things in your life. A daily gratitude journal can help facilitate this habit.

Don’t get so busy that you forget to take time for yourself. Make time for fun. 

• Take time to reflect and nurture a happy, healthy mind.
• Schedule daily fun or relaxation. Take 15 minutes just for yourself to walk the dog, do some yoga, exercise, listen to your favorite music, etc. 
• Connect with others. Spending time with friends and family will help you weather stressful events.
• Keep your sense of humor. Laughter makes you feel better and it actually helps your body fight stress. 

Improving your physical health can increase your resistance to stress 

• Exercise regularly. 
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Reduce caffeine and sugar intake. Both of these lead to crashes in mood and energy 
• Reduce your alcohol consumption. It can just add to your problems. 
• Get enough sleep. Rested, you’ll be better able to handle stressful events.

Remember that if you find that you are having difficulty sleeping, changes in your appetite, panic attacks, muscle tension, frequent headaches, stomach problems and feelings of sadness or worthlessness; You may be depressed. It’s time to talk to your doctor.

If you question whether you may be suffering from depression, take this simple quiz at https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/depression-quiz/  and discuss with your doctor.

Stress can significantly alter your life and cause adrenal fatigue and burnout. There are many ways to eliminate unnecessary stress in your life. It all begins with you and your mindset!