Terri Ramsey Beavers We live in a world where stress is very hard to avoid. Thanks to pressures at work and at home, and the various worries that we have about ourselves and the people closest to us, it’s understandable that feelings of stress can overwhelm us.
But while stress can’t be avoided, it is possible to find ways to cope. You can find some ideas in the linked article so have a read if you’re feeling the effects of stress right now. It’s also important to ask yourself a few important questions. By doing so, you will also find the means to restore balance in your mind when stress threatens to take over.
These are the questions to ask yourself when you’re super-stressed.
#1: What is causing me to feel stress?
In the chaos of life, stress can creep up on us, with such telltale signs as body pain, feelings of anxiety, and skin complaints. It’s only when we recognize these signs that we know stress might be the reason behind them, which is why it’s important to consider the various stressors in our lives. When we know what they are, we can do something about them. We could talk to our employers if there are problems at work, for example, or we could seek financial advice if money is a factor.
#2: What can I say “no” to?
Our busy schedules can often cause us to feel stressed. Long days at work, school events, social occasions, and other such situations can all take their toll if they take away our opportunities to find me-time. We can make lives easier for ourselves by saying “no” more often. When our bosses ask us to work overtime, we can decline the opportunity. When our kids’ teachers ask us to attend yet another school meeting, we can politely refuse. And we can tell our friends that we need time to be alone at the weekend instead of saying “yes” to every social event they invite us to.
#3: Who is in my support network?
Talking to others can be helpful when feeling stressed. These are the people who are positive influences in our lives; the people who care about our wellbeing and with the capacity to listen. They could be family members, friends, work colleagues, or neighbors. A support network can also include counselors, spiritual leaders, and a range of other caring people. When you’re super-stressed, it might be that talking to people like these will help you. So, get in touch with them and benefit from the support they can offer you.
#4: How can I de-stress myself?
Talking is one way to de-stress yourself but there are other things you could do too. Going for a walk, spending time with a hobby, a soak in a hot bath with Epsom salts or CBD bath bombs, or simply having a nap could all be ways to de-stress when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You probably have other ideas so consider what might help you get into a calmer state of mind.
By answering these questions and acting on them, you may be able to manage the stress you are feeling. So, consider them the next time you’re super-stressed as you should start to feel less overwhelmed if you do.