Coping With Stress: 4 Steps to a Healthier and Happier You

Stress can be an ever-present part of our lives, but it doesn’t have to be. Too much stress over time can take a toll on your physical and mental health, so it’s important to know how to cope with it.
Whether you’re struggling with work deadlines, health issues, or family drama, there are steps you can take that will help you manage your stress and lead to a healthier and happier life, shared by the mental healthcare expert Dr. Philip Sobash .
1. Identify Your Triggers – Take some time out for yourself to identify what makes you feel stressed. Once you know what triggers your stress, it will be easier for you to avoid or limit those activities or situations in the future. This could mean saying no more often or managing your expectations in certain situations.
2. Develop Healthy Coping Strategies – Everyone has different ways of dealing with stressful situations, and finding healthy coping strategies is essential for long-term success in managing stress levels. Taking a few minutes each day for meditation helps to relax and maintain focus throughout the day. Other healthy coping strategies include exercise, spending time outdoors, yoga, journaling, talking to friends and family members, or listening to music.
3. Practice Self-Care – Self-care can be anything from taking a bath or reading a book before bedtime to taking time off from work when needed or going away on vacation when possible. Make sure that whatever self-care activity you choose fits into your lifestyle so that it becomes habitual for better results down the line!
4. Seek Professional Help – Talking with an experienced therapist who specializes in stress management can provide invaluable advice on how best to approach the situation at hand, as well as provide tools for better managing stressful moments down the line.
Conclusion:
Taking small steps towards understanding what triggers your distress as well as developing healthy coping strategies are both key elements towards leading a healthier lifestyle while still managing all of life’s demands.