What to do When You Get Stressed

Kathleen Maiman • June 25, 2024

Under stress, we move into doing and saying things that are often unskilled and immature. These behaviours can cause harm to another and erode relationships over time. It is not that we are uncaring in those times; rather, the stress responses mean we have reached an unhealthy capacity or emotional limit.

When unresourced, the energy needed to “tame” our emotions to things that are upsetting and frustrating is low.When the fuel tank is low, it’s important to refuel in order to find the energy you need to keep going in a positive direction emotionally. Nobody likes to be on the receiving end of a blow up or someone losing their cool. For the person acting out, it can feel shameful and regretful and ultimately hurts our relationships.

Here are a few tips on what to do when you find yourself in a stressful place.

Breathe

When you find yourself in a stressful state, find a calm, quiet place for a few minutes and practice deep breathing. It will help you relax and does wonders for releasing stress tension. Take some nice long exhales, (twice as long as the inhales). This cools your brain and activates your parasympathetic nervous system for relaxation.

Take a Moment

Take a moment to notice the present moment. When we notice the present moment, we can begin to express gratitude for the relationships in your life and all that we have. Meditate or Pray. Become silent and meditate on the sounds around you, or your breath, or on a few things you are grateful for. Gratitude does wonders for the heart and brings forth the best feel good emotions.

Exercise

Sometimes you just need to move your body. Begin an exercise routine so your body can release your natural endorphins—known as the body’s natural pain killers. If you feel better physically, you will be able to handle stress better when it comes upon you.

Sleep

Many people are sleep deprived. If you find you are irritable, grumpy, foggy, chances are you may be sleep deprived. Going to bed at an earlier time, especially getting those hours before midnight and having a total of 7-8 hours of sleep will impact your overall ability to handle stress.

Take a Stress Detox Course

Immersing yourself in a 2 day Stress Detox will cleanse the stress that has accumulated in your mind, body and brain. This insightful meditation based approach will result in restfulness in the body, spaciousness in your brain promoting creativity, ease-ness in your mind leading you to calm, energy and love. Sign up today and become more equipped to release stress.

These are just a few ways you can begin to release and reduce the accumulation of stress in your life. Try them out, and see if your capacity to handle yourself better begins to grow. If so, you will find you’ll be more likely to relate in healthier ways and be more present for the people you love and those who love you.

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