3 Tips For Navigating Stressful Times

When things get stressful, stress is more than just a feeling.  Stress can start to take form physically, from making an appearance on our skin to our waistline. Yet stress is a part of life we simply have to accept sometimes. It’s not something we can avoid altogether, but rather something we need to learn how to navigate and overcome. 

So while this may not be an article about eliminating stress entirely from your life, which let’s face it is unrealistic, it’s a how-to guide on how to manage your stress gracefully, and make it through to the other side. To help you navigate stressful moments, here are some of the best tips to keep in mind. 

Get Sleep

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, or are on a huge deadline at work, stress can leave us feeling like you’re pressed for time. As such, we may cut back on our sleep hours more than we should. Yet despite thinking that less sleep automatically equals more productivity, the truth is that this can be false. 

Many studies reveal that the more sleep you have, the more focused you are throughout the day and the more productive you ultimately are. When you allow your body to fully recover from a full day of work, you’re much more likely to keep up your endurance the following day. Prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, and your body will thank you for it.

Meditate

Meditation can be one of the best things you do to navigate stress. It’s an opportunity to quiet your mind and rise above the stress in your life.  Meditation can come in many forms. For some people, sitting on a yoga mat and repeating a mantra is the most straightforward and effective form of meditation. However, there are other people that can get to a meditative state of mind by doing other activities, like sewing, or singing. Do whatever it takes to take your mind to a quiet place free of chatter or stress.

Drink Less Coffee

When we are tired and overrun, one of the first things we do is reach for a cup of coffee. While one cup of coffee might be helpful, more than that can start to take its toll on our ability to manage our emotions. We can get the jitters, and may even experience caffeine crashes. When you’re looking to stay alert, a caffeine crash is the last thing you want. Consider cutting back on coffee, or eliminating it altogether if you find yourself extremely stressed. The last thing you need is additional tension.  Moderation is key when it comes to consuming stimulants, particularly during stressful periods of your life.