Things we can stop doing when we are stressed

When stressed, we should avoid negative self-talk and unhelpful coping habits like eating junk food, using alcohol or drugs, ignoring calls, or withdrawing from loved ones. We may also slow down on personal or work projects.

We may ask others to help us or suggest ways to overcome our feelings. With their guidance, we can see a clearer path and move past the hurdles we face. We all feel stress at times, especially when a project at work builds up unwanted feelings.

When things go wrong, we blame ourselves and become our own worst enemy. I admit I do this often, apologizing for other people's mistakes or words. Some of us say sorry too often, even when we are not to blame.

When stress arises, we may experience a faster heartbeat, disorientation, or self-doubt. It is important to address stress early. One effective approach is the 5 R’s of coping: Rethink, Record, Relax, Release, and Resolve. Begin by rethinking the source of your stress. Journaling or recording your thoughts can clarify why it is affecting you. Practicing breathing techniques can help you relax. Once you are relaxed, release tension and address any emotional discomfort. Finally, resolve the underlying issue using a clear plan.

Once relaxed, we can begin to release tension and address any emotional discomfort. After achieving this, develop a plan to resolve the underlying issue. Once we have mastered all of those, we can finally reorganize ourselves and go on with our daily lives.

What are some things we can do to reduce stress? We can meditate or practice mindfulness, we can go for a walk in a park or at the beach or begin to maintain a healthier lifestyle. There are so many things we can do to reduce stress; we just have to put our minds to it.