Four Ways to Reducing Stress in Changing Times
This article is for the people who are currently experiencing an extraordinary amount of stress. Reducing stress in these difficult times is possible. The stress may be due to the effects of the natural disasters, ongoing wars, social unrest, unemployment or personal challenges you may be experiencing it this time your life.
Global challenges can take their toll on our psychology. People are experiencing an extraordinary amount of stress related to the above challenges. Some of this stress be related to economic challenges, health challenges, or a feelings of alienation.
It is more difficult for some than for others. But I think it is safe to say that most people are experiencing more stress now than ever before. In fact, a new study on Stress in America just published by the American Psychological Association is evidence of this reality.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has altered every aspect of American life, from health and work to education and exercise. Over the long term, warns the American Psychological Association, the negative mental health effects of the coronavirus will be serious and long-lasting.”
Regardless of your education for social economic level the challenges facing many of us in our society today leave us frustrated, alienated, perhaps angry and disenfranchised.
Sometimes it is the simple practices that can cause a shift in thinking helps us to cope more effectively. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do to help reduce your stress.
Reach out for Social Support
First, in times like these when we have a tendency to wish to withdraw from the world. However, even though you may feel your resistance to be around other people, it is during these times that social support is most important. Consider calling an old friend. Do a free Zoom or Webex video meeting with family or friends. Blog with like-minded people. You may find that this reduces some of your stress even, if only temporarily.
Connect with Friends or Family on Video
Practice Gratitude
Second, consider practicing gratitude. Genuine feelings of appreciation even for small things in life can command a significant impact on reducing stress. Appreciative feelings towards people often result in significant biochemical changes in the body that are associated with stress reduction. Maintain an outer mindset and you will find a you will feel much better about yourself in the world. Consider appreciating small things. Someone letting you go first in line or holding a door for you. When you look for these things during the day you become more aware of the good things in the world.
Limit News Exposure
Third, it’s important for you to manager exposure to local, regional, national, or international news. It is critical to keep you informed. However, you really need to manage the amount of negative information you take in from local and world affairs. It really only takes approximately 30 minutes a day to keep up with basics. Consider reading our blog topics instead of spending more time with news which is 90% negative.
Practice Relaxed Breathing
Finally, practice abdominal and diaphragmatic breathing. Do it now. You can breathe in for four seconds and slowly breathe out for six to eight. Never be hungry for air. When you breathe this way you’re tapping directly into the parasympathetic nervous system. This is that part of your nervous system that brings you back to baseline calmness. Many people never return to baseline after they’re stressed throughout the day. After a time you will set a new baseline which really is characterized by higher level of ongoing stress. We need to avoid this as it leads to irritability and a lack of mental clarity and needless to say over time health problems like hypertension.
There’re many other things that you can do to reduce stress and coat more effectively. It really is important for your happiness to be positive and I have methods available to you to manage stress in your life more effectively. Stay tune for new articles.