Tips to help you cope with stress

Take a break.

You can’t avoid the stressor, but you can momentarily get away from that project at work, that crying baby or those mounting bills. Even stepping away for 20 minutes can give you a new perspective or a chance to practice some stress-relieving techniques to feel less overwhelmed.

Exercise.

The research is growing that exercise benefits your mind just as well as your body. Even a 20-minute walk, run or dance session amid a stressful time can give an immediate effect that can last for several hours.

Smile and laugh.

Our brains are interconnected with our emotions and facial expressions. Stressed people often hold a lot of the stress in their faces, so laughs or smiles can help relieve some of that tension.

Get social support.

Sharing your feelings with another person helps relieve stress, but don’t share those concerns with someone who adds to the stress; the person to whom you talk should be someone you trust and who understands and can validate you.

Meditate.

Meditation and mindful prayer help the mind and body relax and focus. Mindfulness can help people see new perspectives and develop self-compassion and forgiveness. When practicing a form of mindfulness, people can release emotions that may have been causing the body physical stress. Much like exercise, research has shown that even meditating briefly can reap benefits.

Source: APA