Now more than ever, it feels like there is not enough time to relax. In our society, we’re expected to push ourselves to the limit and use every ounce of energy we have. “Embracing the hustle” is often seen as beneficial, but at the same time, it can cause problems.
This article will discuss how we can overcome the stressors and difficult situations in our everyday lives. Stress can come from many different parts of life, but don’t worry — so can the solutions.
After reading this article, the goal is for you to have a couple of strategies to help you feel at peace and in control of your life in the midst of stressful situations. So, take a deep breath, and let’s get started.
What Are the Most Common Environmental Stressors?
Below are a few of the environmental stressors that have the most negative impact on your well-being.
Work
One of the top reasons people feel stressed and overwhelmed is work. Work affects a person's whole life based on how much they make, what their expectations are, and even how they interact with their coworkers. It’s not too uncommon to experience elevated stress levels and an onslaught of negative thoughts in response to happenings at work.
An old saying goes, “find a way to do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” However, as we all know, life doesn’t always work that way, and our daily lives may change the way we feel about jobs.
Regardless, work can easily affect our lives and the lives of our family members and friends, whether it is in a positive or negative way.
Family
Everyone wants to marry their best friend and keep a close relationship with their family. However, the more people involved in your family dynamic, the more complicated things often are. Everyone will not agree on everything, and for some, the ensuing conflict causes stress.
Adding children to the family tree is a blessing that only parents will truly understand. However, having kids also creates new challenges. At times, it can feel like there is not enough time to devote to your kids. Parents can feel guilty for feeling overwhelmed, but it’s just a natural part of raising kids.
Finances
Financial stress is also common, as it feels like the recipe for how to be happy starts with money. However, focusing your life on your income can have a negative impact on your overall health.
Many Americans continue to strive to have more, which is thought to be the mentality of greatness. But it can easily derail other aspects of your life. Thus, reframing to a less materialistic mindset can help with stress immensely.
Health
Managing your health is tricky. Some folks just want to lose weight, lower their blood pressure, and try to mitigate their physical stress responses. Others want to be extremely fit, which leads to rigorous daily routines and strict diets based on the idea, “what if I was in perfect shape?”
Some have medical conditions that limit their abilities and may affect their ability to work and earn the wage they may want. All can lead to major stress that can affect your life in many areas.
How Do You De-Stress When You Can’t Change Your Environment?
De-stressing is unique to every person because everyone has different triggers. However, if you give any of the de-stressing techniques below a try, you can’t go wrong.
Go for a Run
Going on a run can be very beneficial for many reasons. It can help with immediate relief of stress due to your body releasing the built-up energy.
Running out in the fresh air also helps people forget the little things that bother them, which allows their bodies to de-stress. Your body releases “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins while running, which can balance out stress hormones like cortisol in your nervous system.
Running does not have to be long or at a fast pace — it's about getting your body moving to help your mind calm down.
Lift Weights
Getting in the gym and lifting weights can be very beneficial for stress management. Engaging in physical activity of any kind will help your body release the built-up tension that’s causing stress.
Weightlifting programs such as CrossFit are incredibly beneficial because they get you engaged in intense workouts. They push your body to the point where you forget about anything troubling you in your everyday life.
Moreover, CrossFit is community-based, meaning people work out together and rely on the motivation of others. Working out in a communal setting can provide the motivation that you need to push yourself a little bit further — and, consequently, bust the stress.
Try Calisthenics
Calisthenics is resistance training that is based more on bodyweight exercises. That means you do not need much equipment, and you can do these exercises anywhere.
This type of workout is very beginner-friendly. It has a very low risk of injury and helps with weight control by burning calories and increasing lean muscle mass. In addition, bodyweight exercises have been proven to increase long-term health and mental well-being.
Yoga
Yoga is a type of exercise with a specific focus on breathing techniques and mindfulness meditation. Many successful people practice yoga regularly because a big part of yoga is finding balance — both physically and mentally.
Yoga works your muscles and increases your heart rate, but it combines exercise with mindful breathing and being in control of your body.
Stoicism
Stoicism is about changing the things you can control and letting go of things you can't control. This philosophy is about controlling what you focus your energy on. It is a more mental approach and will help you regulate your thoughts based on what you believe is important and what you can control.
First, ask yourself, “Is this in your control?” If it is, change it; if not, then let it go. Reinforce positive thoughts by writing in a journal or meditating. Finally, focus on the moment and practice mindfulness.
This practice may be the easiest when it comes to physical changes, but it makes you think about your thoughts and be in control of your mind.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude goes along with the practice of stoicism. When we focus on how much there is to be thankful for in our lives, our focus goes away from less-than-ideal circumstances. Furthermore, when you practice gratitude, you’re far more likely to get into a positive headspace and be more willing to help others.
When others feel your energy, they reciprocate it, which should help you feel the love and compassion this world has to offer.
The Bottom Line
Relax. Now you have a few practices that can help you de-stress in your everyday life. Ultimately, we have to be mindful and intentional to eliminate stress, which takes some hard work.
Everyone wants to live their best life, but getting distracted or lost in the process is all too easy. When that happens, we find ourselves lost or not acting like ourselves. To avoid getting sidetracked, make sure you’re able to get outside (or in the gym) and move. Whether you’re running, walking, biking, or lifting, physical movement is essential for beating stress.
Finally, if you’re still struggling to deal with stress and feel like you have too much on your plate, you can always benefit from talking to a mental health professional. A licensed therapist or psychologist can help you.
Source:
The Stoic theory and how it can be used to ease anxiety | Wellbeing
Mental Health Benefits of Exercise: For Depression and More | Healthline
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