Since I was in high school, I have always viewed stress is something that either controls someone or as something that someone can control.
Sadly I have to admit that at times, stress had definitely had more control over me than I have had on it. However, I recently watched Kelly McGonigal’s TED talk on How To Make Stress Your Friend, and have since had a change in the way I am trying to think about stress, and the impact that it has on my self-success.
One thing I have tried to embrace more lately – something that took me very long to learn – is that stress cannot be handled all at once, over night. We cannot predict the stress of tomorrow; instead we must learn to handle the things that are affecting us today.
Whether it is exercise, diet, meditation, hanging out alone, seeing a movie with friends, or cuddling with your significant other… every aspect of life affects our stress levels. Make sure what you are doing in your day-to-day activities if helping your stress levels, not hurting them.
Here are some tools I suggest you check out to help you achieve better, more manageable stress-levels – from LifeStyle kick contributors, of course!
- How Stress Affects Weight Loss
- 5 Ways to Reduce Stress at the Office
- Be aware of the weight of your backpack
- Relax yourself on the weekend with yoga
- Get a little sweaty with hot yoga
Keep in mind that a little stress is good – keeps you motivated and on your toes! One step at a time… check out these everyday tips to help you along as well.
“Being in control of your life and having realistic expectations about your day-to-day challenges are the keys to stress management, which is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy, healthy and rewarding life. – Marilu Henner
