Stress is a normal
part of life. We all experience it. Stress can be good—it helps us prepare for things that are important to us, like taking a test or going on a job interview.
But sometimes, stress can feel overwhelming and make you feel like you’re not in control of your emotions or your body. When this happens, it can affect your mental health—and the way you think about yourself and the world around you. The good news is that there are things you can do when stress gets overwhelming so that it doesn’t take over your life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, try these tips:
-Take a quick break and walk away from your situation. This can help you clear your mind and calm down.
-Pause to breathe deeply, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly. This will help lower your heart rate and blood pressure, which will make you feel more relaxed.
-Talk with someone about how you’re feeling—it might be a friend or family member who is supportive of you.
-Do something fun to take your mind off things—go for a walk, do a puzzle, or play with your pet.
-Get some exercise; it will help clear your head and shift stress out of your body.
Usually, when you try simple stress-reduction techniques like these, it can help you feel more relaxed, and then you can use that feeling to help you think about your situation differently.
If you find yourself dealing with chronic stress, it might be time to connect with a mental health professional who can help you find ways to manage your stress more effectively.
