Some tips for handling stress

It seems like stress is a constant factor in our existence that we cannot banish. It is embedded within the existence of chronic illness and pain. And as a consequence of chronic pain and illness on our lives as well. And those consequences in our lives we have to live with; dealing with doctors, employers, insurance companies, income instability, or income loss and disability. All stressful compounding on stressful.

But it is this that leads to other factors… like negative thoughts and negative emotions. And this can spiral into other comorbid issues. And just the chronic stress can cause our health to decline.

So in addition to our health and mental and emotional well-being, we have to manage our stress levels. I have some Good News… sort of… in a way, what we do to manage our health and emotional well-being actually helps with stress! So good on us! I just think we really have to remember that well-being is such an important factor and these rather simple things, that we can choose which suit our lifestyles, can make a lot of difference to our well-being. So awesome! Sort of. Anyway, a lot of the things we do to cope are on these lists. So you are likely doing some already. Which is the good news. Maybe you want to add more. Maybe not. But it is good to know these things are helping us reduce the constant state of stress our bodies are in.

Here are some things that can help with long term and short term stress

Things that can help with long-term negative stress

1. Let’s get physical: Yep, exercise. It does help. Every little bit helps. Which for us may not be much at all. But even a few minutes can be a stress buster.
2. Relaxation strategies: whatever floats your relaxation groove. Meditation. Yoga. Relaxation breathing. Massage therapy. And others.
3. The body relaxation exercise: lay down. Get comfy. Tense your toes and release. And then following every muscle, tighten, hold and release until your whole body is all loose and relaxed.
4. Keeping your awesome sense of humour. Check!
5. Socialize with friends and family: socializing is good for wellbeing in many varied ways. And reducing isolation is quite important for us.
6. Specifically set aside time for hobbies: Yes, set some time for You to do what You are passionate about because You love to do it. Listen to music. Read. Write. Draw. Knit. I could name 1000 ways.
7. Do a gratitude journal recording 3 things you are thankful for every day. Or a regular journal that can get out thoughts and ideas on your day… can be reflective and cathartic to get it down.
8.  Try art therapy which can reduce stress behaviour and symptoms

I dig my hobbies but also I do a lot of meditation. I do a little bit of exercise, such as it is. Humour is my go to to handling a lot of things, so definitely got that one down.

Quick tips for stress coping short-term

1. Get your music groove on
2. Chat it out with a friend
3. Keep an eye on diet “Try to avoid sugary snacks and plan ahead. Fruits and vegetables are always good, and fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the symptoms of stress. A tuna sandwich really is brain food.” Healthline
4. Laughter IS good medicine. It is weird that one thing I remember reading is that funny cat videos… literally help boost mood. But anyway, any humour videos or comedians on Netflix or joking around with friends… all good, man
5. Try some green tea. Or black tea, but limiting caffeine, one might want to go for the green and green has extra perks to it.
6. Positive self-talk. “I can do this. And I damn well will.’ or ‘This too shall pass, like a kidney stone, but it will pass.’ or ‘Bet your butterscotch, I’ll do it. And damn well too’. or ‘I am worthy and awesome and rock.’
7. Consciously relax tense muscles several times a day. This can be done with relaxation breathing. On the out breath… relax muscle tension.
8. Aromatherapy. In particular, lavender has been shown to reduce stress.
9. Hug it out man: A good hug can reduce stress and blood pressure in adults
10. Cuddle power: hang with your pet

Some of them may not be for you. Some of them will. So pick and choose your favourites and add them to your routine. Chronic stress and chronic illness seemed to be tied in a knot and dealing with stress is an important factor.

Other important facets

1. Sleep management is vital
2. Reducing caffeine does help
3. Avoid excessive alcohol and illegal drugs
4. A therapist can help with stress management strategies if you do not have any or none of helped you. Like maybe give biofeedback a go. Or self-hypnosis.

See also:

Chronic illness: Do I have self-compassion?