If you want to completely stop those thoughts that cause you stress and anxiety it is important to have some tools that help you to achieve it effectively.
It may seem that there is nothing you can do to control stress levels, but you have much more control than you imagine. In fact, the simple understanding that you have the reins of your life is the basis to achieve it. No matter how stressful your day-to-day life may seem: there are some things you can do to manage stress and anxiety.
Certainly, stress management is about taking charge of your lifestyle, thoughts, emotions and the way you solve problems. And is that if you live with high levels of stress, you are putting your well-being at risk. Stress and anxiety wreak havoc on emotional balance, as well as on physical health.
On the other hand, controlling stress and anxiety helps you to be happier, healthier and more productive. You must bear in mind that stress management is not unique to everyone. That is why it is important to experiment and discover what works best for you.
What can you do to manage stress and anxiety?
The following tips for managing stress and anxiety can help you deal with all kinds of situations:
1. Connect with other people
First, we recommend that if you want to manage stress and anxiety connect with people in your environment. There is nothing more comforting than spending quality time with someone who makes you feel safe and understood. Therefore, it is convenient to connect regularly, and in person, with family and friends.
Keep in mind that the people you talk to do not have to correct your stress. It is enough that they are good listeners. Do not let those worries that cause you to feel weak be an impediment to open up. Without a doubt, people who care about you will be flattered that you place your trust in them: this will strengthen the bond of friendship.
Of course, it is not always realistic or possible to have a close friend to support yourself when you feel overwhelmed by stress. However, building and maintaining a network of friends can make you better resist the stressors of life
2. Challenge your thoughts
If your head is full of negative thoughts you will feel stressed or anxious. Keep in mind that it is normal to have thoughts or doubts, although that does not mean they reflect what is really happening. While it is not easy to challenge the barrage of negativity that accompanies difficult times, you must learn to recognize and challenge your thinking patterns negative
Learning to challenge negative thoughts can take time and practice, but it’s worth the effort. Once you begin, you will probably be surprised how many of your thoughts are inaccurate, exaggerated or inclined towards an unwelcome vision of things.
Therefore, you can begin to describe what you are thinking and then add facts that support or refute each thought. You may be surprised at how many of your thoughts are exaggerated or not true.
“The best weapon against stress is the ability to choose one thought over another”
3. Exercise
Without any doubt, do exercise regularly is one of the best ways to relax the body and mind. In addition, exercise will improve your mood. Now, you have to do it often to make it worthwhile.
- We recommend you to exercise at least 3 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes.
- Concentrate on setting physical fitness goals that you can meet so you do not give up. Above all, remember that doing any exercise is better than none.
In those moments in which you do not know how to overcome stress and anxiety, put on a good pair of sports shoes and go for a run or do another type of exercise that allows you to disconnect. This way you will forget those moments that cause you discomfort.
4. Meditate
Meditation allows the mind and body to relax and focus. In fact, mindfulness can help people see new perspectives, develop self-pity and forgiveness.
Certainly, by practicing a form of mindfulness, people can release emotions that may have been causing the physical stress of the body. Like exercise, it has been shown that even brief meditations can provide immediate benefits.
To finish, remember to follow our previous tips to manage stress and anxiety. We are convinced that you will achieve it with some patience and perseverance!
