6 Tips for Stressful Situations

Life throws you when least expected. Cars break down, loved ones pass away, property gets ruined, and exams are failed. It happens. Everyone handles stressful situations, grief, and unpleasant occasions differently.

Sadly, people often contain these issues internally rather than dealing with them head on. This leads to unintended outbursts and aggravated emotions. Check out the following tips to handle stress – and your life – better.

– Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Be honest with yourself.

Does it really matter who forgot to take the trash out last night? While your kitchen may smell rank from chicken scrapings, don’t let it get to you. Yelling at your significant other about it cannot change the past. Chalk it up to a busy night and take it out yourself rather than putting anymore thought into it.

There are worse things that could happen.

– Be Rational

You are an hour into a December road trip to visit family. Your car breaks down on the side of the road. You are in Michigan, it’s the middle of winter, and the visibility is zero. What’s your next move?

Do not proceed by slapping the steering wheel while screaming at the top of your lungs that life isn’t fair. Are you in an area with cell service? If so, call for help. If not, turn on your hazards and try to flag down a passing car. In the meantime, bundle up and stay warm. In this situation, what’s important is that you handle yourself rationally.

By thinking clearly you will arrive at a plausible and timely solution.

– Breathe

This tip is easy to forget, but it’s important to remember no matter the situation.

Whether you have just been informed of a loved one’s death, or that you have not been accepted for a promotion. Don’t let your anger or sadness cloud your judgment. Take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts. If you are at the office, step outside for a quick break. Let the fresh air clear your mind.

– Exercise

While this may not be the best solution for everyone exercising definitely has its benefits. After a rough day at work, consider going for a short walk around the neighborhood. Or, if that’s not quite your speed, do some yoga in your living room. Exercise helps you release energy while simultaneously strengthening your stamina.

Any form of exercise is certainly a helpful way to handle tough situations.

– Find a Hobby You Love

Everyone has an interest in something. Some prefer to paint, others enjoy biking, while some enjoy reading a classic novel with a steaming cup of coffee – myself included! When handling upsetting situations, it’s far too easy to sacrifice your interests. It’s possible your bookshelf may be left untouched for weeks after a death in the family. Maybe those running shoes you were using daily are beginning to collect dust.

Whatever you do, don’t allow these problems the opportunity to run your life. If you don’t already have a hobby you love, figure out what interests you and go with it. Take up knitting or learn a new instrument.

Grief and disappointment are difficult to handle, but maintaining a hobby provides a safe escape.

– Lean on Someone

Some situations are simply too difficult to handle alone. When this happens, it’s best to lean on someone you trust. Ensure that the person you choose is emotionally capable of supporting you. This person could be your significant other, a close friend, or your mother. The individual you look to in your time of need should be capable of providing you with sound advice.

Be prepared to eventually provide the same respect to the person you chose to lean on. Life is not one-sided. You may be dealing with a personal issue today, but your friend may need someone to talk to tomorrow.

Handling Stressful Situations Is Never Easy

Dealing with loss and getting through tough times is difficult.

Even the most prepared often face stress with uncertainty.

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Fortunately, there are ways to combat stress. You will always have something in your arsenal worth utilizing when faced with complexity. There is always something you can do to relieve the anxiety stress enforces.

Don’t let stress win. Regardless of the situation, your progress matters more. Figure out your unique tool to alleviate stress. The search is worth the effort.