A few weeks ago, I posted a 24-minute video presentation on “Managing Stress and Worry in Difficult Times.”
BREATHERS for Managing Stress
In the presentation, I provide an acronym that summarizes nine strategies or tips for managing stress and worry. Here they are:
B – Breathing. Breathe deeply using the 4-7-8 method. (4-seconds of inhaling, 7-seconds of holding your breathe, and 8-seconds exhaling)
R – Relationships. Talk to someone when you’re feeling stressed.
E – Exercise. Any kind of physical activity is excellent for managing your mental health.
A – Acceptance. Reflect on what you can control vs. what you can’t control. Then, stop stressing over what you can’t control.
T – Think balanced thoughts. Change your perspective and look at the good that can come out of the bad.
H – Hope. Having hope can lessen your stress levels and help with Acceptance.
E – Eat right. Food changes mood. Choose the food and beverages that energize you.
R – Routine. When stressed, go back to your daily routine. Structure puts you on autopilot, which helps with managing stress.
S – Spirituality. Connect with your spiritual beliefs. Or, engage in spiritual practices such as meditation and time in solitude.
Stress, fear, and worry are all normal human reactions to events and situations that are unpleasant. Realize that it’s impossible to eliminate these emotions and mental states. Instead, just focus on managing them.
I hope these tips help with your personal balance and growth…