“The feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure”
So it is in our best interest to learn these stress management techniques. Most of us grow up with stress coping mechanisms that lean a little towards the unhealthy side. So many late nights to take back our free time from a day job or school (Revenge Bedtime Procrastination, it’s a thing!) probably being at the top of that list for a lot of us. We as people who are just trying to live our best lives aren’t to blame either, the whole world struggles to learn stress management, you aren’t alone! But this doesn’t mean we have to sit here in silence either. Asking for help is the crucial first step and by reading this far you’ve taken that step.
A lot of our bad stress management habits come from things that became normal in our teen years through no fault of our own. Late nights up till 3 a.m. and unwise food choices to name just a couple. Thankfully it is never too late to turn things around and learn the proper way to take care of yourself and your mind!
Unfortunately, most of the things we should be avoiding are some of the things we call comfort. So to achieve overall better mental health and live a long and healthy life we do need to address them. Because unless we address the underlying attributing factors, we cannot progress towards improvement.
DO NOT: Irregular Sleep Cycles
This one can be really hard to avoid! So from early childhood, we all learn the ways to skate around Mum and Dad so that we can play one more round of League of Legends or read the last chapter of that book. Unfortunately then that spills its’ way into our adult lives, being up until 2 a.m. on a regular basis when you start work or school at 7/8 a.m. will be your downfall both physically and mentally. Instead try to create a sleep schedule that you can adhere to during the week, and then if you still want to be up late keep it for the weekend!
DO: Light A Scented Candle
Lighting a scented candle insert other scent based decorations here, can help by grounding you. Getting in touch with your base senses can be one of the ways to really bring your mind back to reality. This is your chance to be selfish! Pick a scent that you love and want your home to smell like. Make a ritual out of it, lighting the candle with matches can help extend the process and turn it into a form of meditation. Let the scent fall over you in waves and focus on that and nothing else.
DO NOT: Go Shopping
I know this one can be hard on all of us! Because of targeted advertising shoppong is a looming threat anytime that you unlock your phone. Thankfully there is a few quick solutions to curb your shopping craving! Try sleeping on the purchase for a couple days to really make sure you want it, try finding negative reviews of the item to dissuade yourself from purchasing and the most effective remedy is therapy. Contact your GP and ask for a referral to a Psychologist or Therapist and work on this with a Mental Health Professional.
DO: Watch A Funny Movie!
This has been a time proven remedy for stress, depression and getting you through lifes big ups and downs. Pick whatever movie on this planet makes you giggle like a child and let loose! From more recent titles like ‘Tag!’ to absolute rib tickling classics like ‘Balls of Fury’ you are not short of amazing choices for an evening full of smiles and laughter.
“The truth is if I’m addicted to anything it’s probably laughter”
– Robin Williams
