Solace from stress

10 tips to get through those trying days

By Christian Jay B. Quilo
Illustration: RD Santizas

 

STRESS is inevitable and can come from many different sources — school, work, personal matters. On some days when stress levels are higher than usual, it’s harder to cope, resulting in mental and physical breakdowns which may or may not include ugly crying. However, with the right techniques, stress is totally manageable. Here are 10 easy tips on how you can get through those trying days:

Smile.

I know, it seems creepy to smile when you’re not exactly feeling like it and would rather maintain the frown you’ve got plastered on. While its scientific backing is debatable, the logic is pretty simple: the external translates to the internal; smile until you feel a little bit better — a “fake it ‘til you make it” kind of sitch.

Allow yourself to go on a break.

If you’re stuck in a rut, don’t force it and take a break. Spare a few minutes to remove yourself from the situation. Go outside, take a walk. The temporary change of environment will refresh you.

Eat comfort food.

Indulge in a little of your favorite things to eat like a scoop of your favorite ice cream or a bowl of crisp greens. Don’t eat too much though, just enough to lift your spirits up a bit.

Manage your time.

A lot of times, we’re stressed when we’re overwhelmed with work and it just seems impossible to get everything done. Work out a timeframe; accomplish the more urgent errands or tasks first.

Make a to-do list.

In relation to the previous item, a list keeps you on top of your things to do. It also keeps you motivated — I do this myself and it’s the best feeling ever when I’ve managed to tick off each item on my list by the end of the day.

If the cause of your stress is a person, talk to the person and work it out if you can.

In some cases, problems are best resolved when discussed amicably.

When the issue is done and dusted, it just feels like a huge weight is lifted from your shoulders.

Talk to someone.

Sometimes, it’s good to let out and verbalize all your stress and frustrations. Find a confidante. He or she can be a friend, a colleague, a family member or basically anyone who is willing to lend an ear, like a default shrink.

Get some sleep.

Being well rested also means being able to start a day fully charged and in high gear. Lack of sleep results in grogginess, crankiness and just not in the mood to do anything productive.

Concentrate on something else temporarily.

It can be some form of physical activity like exercise or maybe baking, anything that can get your mind off whatever it is you’re stressed about.

Listen to your body.

If worse comes to worst and you’re feeling under the weather, get some rest. Above everything else, no matter how seemingly crucial what you’re stressing about is, your well-being and overall health is still of utmost importance.