Simple tips for stress management

by Jayoti Chabra, LMSW

Being overwhelmed can be triggered through many aspects of your life.  Work, family, friends, school and other mental, physical or emotional factors play a role.  These experiences individually may not amount to much, but the sum can be greater than the individual parts.  If we don’t have the appropriate coping mechanisms, there can be an avalanche type of effect.  In order to avoid this, there are many tips and tricks that can be used to help manage and cope with the stress in a healthy manner.
 
Some of these techniques include the following:

Take smaller steps

Breaking down big tasks into smaller ones makes them less overwhelming.

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Grounding techniques- Try the 54321 technique:

a. Name 5 things you see
b. Name 4 things you feel
c. Name 3 things you hear
d. Name 2 things you smell
e. Name 1 thing you can taste

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Multitasking divides our attention and it reduces your efficiency and performance
Instead, Make a list of all the things you need to do, then focus on finishing the one that needs to be done first.  Once it is complete, move on to the next one.

Set Boundaries - It's ok to say no

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​Breathe deeply- Close your eyes and take multiple deep breathes, take a break and step away from the situation.

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Practice acceptance

​There will always be things that are not in our control. Practice accepting that and focus only on the circle of control.

​Seek help-  It’s okay to ask a professional or someone we know and trust to help us out