Stress Management Tips and Tricks

Stress is a common experience that affects many aspects of our lives, from our work to our personal relationships. Learning effective stress management techniques can help improve our overall well-being and productivity.  Jacklyn Eding, LLMSW– Wedgwood Trauma-Focused Therapist, explores some practical tips and tricks for managing stress and achieving a sense of calm and balance in our daily lives.

• Check-in with yourself:

  • Your body and mind speak to you, especially when overwhelmed. Try to notice some of the below signs to spot high stress.
    • Hyper-arousal: Quick to become irritated or annoyed, high anxiety and worry, unusually high energy
    • Hypo-arousal: Unusually tired, feeling spacy, feeling numb, feeling frozen.

• Practice Self-Care:

  • Remember that self-care is anything that you do for YOURSELF. Self-care can be little (brushing your teeth) or big (getting a massage) as long as you take the time to do it for yourself.

• Practice Mindfulness:

  • Mindfulness means being aware of the present. Be conscious of what you are doing; even narrate it in your head if it’s helpful. Whether you’re eating, going for a walk, or taking a big test, try to stay in the moment.

• Exercise:

  • Going for walks outside, hitting the gym, or even doing a quick walk around the block releases endorphins which assist with mood stabilization and more positive feelings.

• Get Enough Sleep:

  • Sleeping allows the mind to reset and process the day’s events. Seven or more hours of sleep a night is most beneficial for the mind and body to rest and recharge.

• Laugh:

  • Laughter is the best medicine. Laughter aids in easing tension in the body which can last up to 45 minutes!

• Positive Self Talk:

  • Our thoughts play a major impact in our moods and behaviors. Dr. Shalu Ramchandi from Harvard University suggests, “For every negative or stressful thought experienced, try to find three positive ones.”

• Connect with Others:

  • Maintain meaningful relationships with others. Find a community that allows you to feel valued, cared for, and supported. 

• Practice Deep Breathing:

  • Taking deep breaths allows the brain to manage the stress response better. Try the 4-4-4 method of breathing to assist in regulation during times of high stress.

• Seek Help:

  • Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if your stress is unmanageable. Wedgwood Christian Services’ Bouma Counseling Center has no waitlist and our team is ready to assist you – wherever life finds you. For further information, or to make an appointment, call our intake line at (616) 942-7294.