Fighting Stress? Ask the Coach
Question: My stress level seems through the roof these days. I don't know of any good techniques to calm myself down in a stressful situation.
Answer: Many people lead very busy lives. Finding healthy ways to reduce stress can make you feel more in control of your reactions when faced with tense situations. People with weakened immune systems might also be able to fight infections better when they have lower stress levels. Here are some tips to help:
- Find ways in your daily routine to take a moment for you. Go for a short walk, take a couple of deep breaths, or close your eyes and count back from 10. Small approaches such as these can improve your outlook, calm you down, and re-set your mind.
- Decide what techniques work well for you. Do some experimentation. Try different time lengths, deliveries (self-guided or guided), and approaches. Some approaches you could try include gratitude, relaxation, stepping back and taking stock, or visualization.
- Train your brain, and practice techniques for stress relief on a regular basis. Don't wait until you are in a stressful situation to try to figure out what to do. Come up with a practice plan. Practice daily when you have two to three minutes of quiet time. Practicing on a regular basis will allow you to use your techniques effectively in the moment when you really need it.
- Expand your knowledge of stress reduction. Take a yoga class, explore a mindfulness app, listen to a podcast on handling stress, or pick up a book to enhance your skills in addressing various situations in your life.
Workplace Options Wellness Team & Schuette, B. (Ed.). (Revised 2024). Ask the coach. News to Live Well (Quarter 2 ed.). Raleigh, NC: Author.