Yes, we all have heard that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. But the real question is, how to do get to the point where we can handle stress well so that we can grow from it and become stronger?
The answer lies in how we process our emotions during those times of distress and high emotions. How many times have you looked back at how you handled stress and wished you had handled it better? There have literally been times I have cringed thinking back to how I responded to stress. Those were definitely not my proudest moments.
How can we slow things down in moments of stress and handle them more effectively?
1.) Know that hardships and setbacks are inevitable. Stress is going to happen. Instead of focusing your thoughts on the stress itself, try to focus on what steps you can take to improve things.
2.) Keep things in perspective and avoid catastrophizing. Reframe what is happening and know that intensity of the situation will subside.
3.) Take care of yourself. Physical activity has been proven to reduce stress and help you get a good night’s sleep, which is important when dealing with stress. Eat well and hydrate. Putting your physical body in the best possible position to handle potential stress is key.
4.) Distract yourself with healthy coping mechanisms when things get too overwhelming. Sometimes spending time with friends or watching funny YouTube videos when we are overwhelmed can help balance us and get us to a better place mentally.
