Hello, friends!
Today, I want to dive into a topic that affects us all: stress. Stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures, but can become unhealthy when it upsets your day-to-day functioning. You might notice things such as restless sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, forgetting things, or feeling easily overwhelmed.
As a health and wellness coach at Legacy Counseling Service in Broken Arrow, I’ve had the privilege of coaching individuals in developing and implementing strategies to reclaim their peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.
So, let’s explore 8 powerful stress management strategies, that, when done consistently, can transform your life.
- Prioritize Self-Care: It all starts with valuing yourself. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether practicing yoga, a daily gratitude list or reading a good book, find what brings you joy and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. Action step: identify the days and times you will do these things and make an appointment for these activities on your calendar.
- Embrace Mindfulness: Cultivate the art of being present. Mindfulness allows you to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment and without focusing on the past or the future. Take a few moments each day to ground yourself in the present moment, whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply appreciating the beauty around you. Action step: identify what type of mindfulness you want to try and practice for a week. Make note of what differences you notice.
- Move Your Body: Exercise is not just about physical fitness; it’s a powerful stress reliever. Engage in activities that get your body moving, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or practicing your favorite sport. Find what brings you joy and makes you feel energized. Action step: find an accountability buddy to increase your motivation for physical movement.
- Nurture Your Relationships: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Engage in meaningful conversations, share your struggles, and seek advice when needed. A strong support system can provide the comfort and encouragement you need during challenging times. Action step: schedule a phone call or a dinner with a loved one.
- Practice Time Management: Feeling overwhelmed often stems from a lack of organization. Take control by prioritizing your tasks, breaking them down into manageable steps, and setting realistic deadlines. Remember, it’s okay to say no to commitments that don’t align with your well-being. Action step: set aside 5-15 minutes every day to review your plans for the next day and prioritize what needs to be done for that day.
- Fuel Your Body with Nutritious Food: A well-nourished body is better equipped to handle stress. Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy and support your overall well-being. Don’t forget to hydrate yourself adequately! Action step: pack 1 nutritious snack with you each day this week. Next week, pack two!
- Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a health and wellness coach, therapist, or counselor when stress becomes challenging to manage on your own. Sometimes, having an objective perspective and guidance can make a world of difference. Action step: take an inventory of how you have been functioning over the past month. If you have really been struggling and have a hard time being consistent, make that call to a coach or mental health provider.
- Create Boundaries: Learn to set healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life. Understand your limits and communicate them assertively. Action Step: ask yourself “If I say ‘yes’ to x, then what am I saying ‘no’ to?” and use this to help develop some boundaries.
Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary for your well-being and ability to thrive in the long term.
If you need help creating a consistent routine, being accountable, or brainstorming any other ways to manage stress, reach out to me at https://legacycounselingservices.com/staff/tiffany-turner-coats-life-and-health-coach/ to get started or to schedule a free consultation to learn more. And don’t worry if you don’t live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma…I offer online coaching for stress management and other concerns for people all over the United States.
I’m looking forward to helping you reach your goals!
Your Coach,
Tiffany Turner-Coats, certified Health and Wellness Coach