4 Ways To Manage Your Stress (And Create A Happier, Healthier Life In The Process)
The power is in your hands.
getty Finding peace in today’s fast-paced, stressed-out world is vital to our health and well-being. Yes, we are stressed out and finding peace amidst the chaos is tough... so, now what?
Beyond the discussions of how to do more with less, balance crazy demands, and lead through change, many people seek a sense of peace and of being OK in their complicated, overstuffed lives.
The good news is that focusing on what makes you healthy, whole, and strong will make you more stress-resilient.
After all, healthy cells support healthy thinking and healthy choices. That's why practicing self-care can not only help you improve your physical health, but can reduce your stress in the process.
Here are 4 ways to manage your stress that boost your well-being:
1. Practice self-care.
To create healthy cells, you need to increase your self-care. This will serve your life in multiple ways and positively impact the lives of those who matter to you.
Self-care is an ethical practice. It strengthens you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It increases your ability to connect, to be healthy, productive, and happy. It is not a luxury or indulgence. So, put it on your own to-do list!
Self-care is good leadership, responsible "adult-ing", better parenting, and critical to your well-being and capacity to contribute. Fitness of mind, body, and spirit is key to finding peace in chaotic times.
2. Be more mindful.
Mindfulness is a resilience skill that builds your ability to find calm, clarity, safety, flexibility, connection, and hope, despite the circumstances.
It is not some mysterious destination of equanimity for Zen monks only, but simply a practiced skill of awareness that empowers you to move from reactive to responsive, mentally and emotionally.
3. Get physically active.
Physical fitness supports your stamina as well as the health of those brain cells needed for emotional and mental strength.
4. Find your purpose.
Spiritually, you are actually wired to connect to survive! Having a greater purpose and a community intrinsically motivate humans.
So… why do we tend to withdraw when reaching out is one of our greatest powers?
Of course, you already have a laundry list of things you could and should be doing better to be more fit. Let go of that guilt and take small steps to learn what you need to feel strong in each arena of your life!
Take an inventory then find tiny shifts to nourish your best self. This is a marathon of tortoises, not a sprint to well-being. Your cells notice each minuscule step forward.
Ask yourselves these questions:
- What do you NEED to feel physically fit? More sleep? Another stretching session? Some veggies between pints of Halo ice cream?
- Mentally, what are you brain cells craving? Breaks? Perhaps more creative time?
- What makes you emotionally strong? Think of your best bounce-backs: what/who gave you power? What habits keep you grounded? If you can’t think of any, contact me asap!
- What connections matter most to you? What are the habits that keep you feeling connected?
Brainstorm a list of ideas and play with one or two in coming weeks. Then, notice how you feel and play some more. Tiny shifts can make a big difference!
Next, change the conversation in your head and among your friends, family, and colleagues and you will help everyone leverage the strengths and powers of being adaptable humans. So, talk less about circumstances and more about individual strengths, creativity, compassion, courage, and self-care.
In conclusion, learn what nurtures your mind, body, and spirit, and find your power to meet challenges with grounded values and priorities, wisdom, and resilience.
Create a healthier, happier, stress-free life one step at a time. Finding peace in the chaos really is possible!
Cynthia Ackrill leads stress and leadership workshops in many settings from coaching and leadership programs to women's conferences. Want to learn more strategies to tackle your stress and put more YOU in your future? Contact her or visit her courses and resources on her website.