5 Ways to Put Stress in its Place

Stress is your body's reaction to anything which requires attention or action. It often arises when that thing which requires attention or action is not something we want to do, or feel like we're able to do. Fear of failure, and fear of being seen as a failure can spur our feelings of stress, and prevent us from taking positive steps toward resolving the issues.

Not all stress is bad

Stress in and of itself is not negative. Stress is a normal, human response and actually has many positive benefits. For example, research shows that stress can lead to improved cognitive function and build resilience, to name a few. [https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-stress-you-didnt-know-about] It can increase short-term immunities, and motivate you to get it in gear and succeed. [https://www.health.com/condition/stress/5-weird-ways-stress-can-actually-be-good-for-you]

It's the prolonged, day-in-day-out stress which tears us down. Research show that this unmanaged, prolonged stress can cause ill effects such as headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, and chest pain, diabetes, skin conditions, depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders. And if you already suffer from a disease, unmanaged stress can make your symptoms worsen. [https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/effects-of-stress-on-your-body]

“The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."

– Sydney J. Harris

It may surprise you to learn what the real culprit of this unmanaged stress is. It's not the negative circumstance -- or the frustrating people involved -- or the long list of to-dos which are surmounting. It's how you respond to this prolonged stress which get you in trouble.

Notice what your body is saying

A precursor to putting stress in its place is to learn to tune into your physical responses to stressful situations. How does your body alert you to stress? Some people experience a rapid heartbeat, while others get a sick pit in their stomach. Some report a dry mouth, clammy hands, or unusual sweating. Some get a headache, can't eat, or eat too much. Some feel excessively tired, discouraged, and disheartened. Some get the cry feeling. Others feel something nigh to terror. What about you?

"It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it."

-- Hans Selye

Next time you sense stress, pause to notice these physical "symptoms". Not only do you want to note what are you feeling in your body, but where are you feeling it? Is it in your neck? Or maybe your shoulders? Tuning into these physical responses will put you on alert for when they come again...and they will visit again. These signals act as an early warning system enabling us to choose to act instead of react to the triggers.

Another facet to notice is how you treat others when you are stressed. You may go quiet, and become non-communicative, or you may resort to finger-pointing and yelling. You may throw yourself into work while avoiding important people in your life. You may act out in behaviors which damage relationships. You may hide your stress and pretend nothing is wrong, stuffing it inside (only for it to reappear later), or you may attack anyone and anything which comes within ten feet of you. If you can relate to any of these anti-social responses to stress, or are able to add your own, it may be time to try something new.

"The truth is that there is no actual stress or anxiety in the world; it's your thoughts that create these false beliefs. You can't package stress, touch it, or see it. There are only people engaged in stressful thinking."

-- Wayne Dyer

Learning a new way of responding to stress -- putting stress in its place -- can help us work calmly under pressure, push through tough times, and be able to use stressful events to improve our circumstances.

Stress Management Traits

Those with strong stress management skills accept that stress is inevitable and a part of everyday life. They are aware of how they feel when stress arises, and have adopted calming techniques in response. They can maintain their composure and make a choice to control aggressive, hostile, and irresponsible behaviors. They tap in to their vitality and strength to push back when needed, or let go. They take appropriate actions to alleviate the stress. They do not procrastinate. They choose not to sweat the small stuff and are able to keep things in perspective.

"Training your brain to manage stress won't just affect the quality of your life, but perhaps even the length of it."

-- Amy Morin

Those who struggle view stress as external and don't realize that what they are feeling is their reaction to stress. They can feel unable to concentrate, become forgetful, and experience brain fog. They worry and tend to act impulsively, engaging in unpredictable, sometimes explosive or abusive behavior. Does this describe you?

If so, it may be time to make some shifts.

5 Ways to Put Stress In Its Place

Admitting you need some stress relief is a great first step. Then, it's your choice to take action. Consider these five suggestions to get started:

1-Just do it. 

“Doing something that is productive is a great way to alleviate emotional stress. Get your mind doing something that is productive.” – Ziggy Marley

Choose one thing you can do to tackle that stressful situation -- and take one step. You most likely won't fix it in one fell swoop, and at this stage, you're not even trying to. Just elicit movement in a new direction. You know how good it feels to check something off of your to-do list? So...check something off of that to-do list! Breaking overwhelming tasks into bite-sized chunks make it easier to achieve a motivating sense of accomplishment, even if it's something small.

2-Flood yourself with positivity.

“In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive." – Lee Iacocca

Research shows that the more we exercise our signature strength(s), the more positive emotions we will feel. Do you know what provides you with positive emotions, such as joy, excitement, peace, hope, and contentment? Take the VIA Character Strengths assessment to discover your signature strengths. The report will list out your strengths. Take a look at your top three and brainstorms ways you can incorporate more of these things into your daily life - then do them, as often as possible. Not only will you feel better, this positivity will rewire your brain to be more creative and innovative as you search for ways to resolve stressful situations.

3-Try to relax.

“It's a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.” – Paulo Coelho

I know, it's the last thing you'd think of doing when you're stressed, especially when there's already too much on your plate. But finding a way to relax your body and your mind can refuel you with the energy needed to tackle what's next. Take a walk, do something you enjoy, talk to a supportive friend. If nothing else, breathe. Breathe in deeply, and slowly, then exhale. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

4-Reflect on your past achievements--and failures!

"I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."– Michael Jordan

Yes, what you are facing is tough. It may even seem insurmountable. But you've done hard things before. Think back on times of success, times you worked hard and made it through. What skills did you lean into to get through the stress? You've done it before so you can do it again. Also remind yourself of times you failed, and made it out the other side. If you are still here today it is a testimony that the failure didn't break you. You are resilient and wired to handle changes which lead to stress. You got this.

5-Don't quit.

"If you’re going through hell, keep going." – Winston Churchill

Prolonged stress can be exhausting, but giving up will not solve anything. The only way to get there is to keep on keepin' on. If you're struggling to hang on, reach out to a trusted loved one or confidant. Find a counselor, coach, or therapist to talk to, and if you find you're entertaining thoughts of hurting yourself or others, seek professional help immediately. In order to persevere, you need to keep yourself refreshed. What provides refreshment for you? Maybe it's getting more sleep, or reading a book, or hanging out with friends. Maybe it's listening to your favorite music, or exercising, or taking a mini-vacation to somewhere warm. Do these things as often as necessary to keep your perspective and energy fresh.

Putting stress in its place is tough, but it can be done. Which of these will you do more of today?

"You can’t choose what life throws at you, but you can choose how you respond."

― Maya Angelou