Since 1992, April has been celebrated as International Stress Awareness Month. The initiative was launched by a US-based non-profit organisation, the Health Resource Network (HRN), to educate the public on stress, its causes, and management. This year, the theme is “Lead with Love,” reminding us to “approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance, no matter the challenges we face.”

Of course, maintaining a peaceful and gracious disposition when under pressure is no easy feat. Yet, doing so helps you make sound, rational decisions and protect your relationships. Fortunately, there are stress management techniques you can use to minimise your anxiety and address a situation effectively.

Notably, no two people respond to stress or management tools in the same way, so it’s best to have several in your arsenal. Still, one popular framework is the 5 A’s (avoid, alter, adapt, accept, and assert). Its tenets can be found in many of the different strategies people use. One thing these techniques have in common is that constant practice helps you acquire healthy habits for dealing with stress.

Moreover, developing healthy coping mechanisms is critical. Remember, this year’s theme is, among other things, about showing kindness to ourselves and others. One way of practising doing so is to avoid unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, gambling, overeating, overspending, etc., to cope with stress.

Instead, once you’ve identified what is causing you to feel stressed, find simple ways to manage it. We’ve got 10 practical tips for coping with life’s stressors.

10 Super Practical Tips for Coping with Stress

Get proper rest. Prioritise it because once well-rested, you’re more likely to have more clarity and respond more rationally.  

Eat well. The typical responses to stress are to miss meals, overeat, or eat unhealthily. However, don’t skip meals or binge. Decide to practice the 80/20 rule.

Be active. If you don’t exercise regularly, then start doing so. A 30-minute daily workout routine is a good place to start. Exercise is known to reduce stress by improving moods through the release of endorphins.

Avoid stressful situations or people. Staying clear of stressors is easier said than done. Still, being in tune with your triggers will give you more control over situations and your response.

Practice mindfulness regularly. Take time to assess your feelings and thoughts without passing judgment. Do it from a place of curiosity, asking lots of questions. Here are a few: What am I feeling? What am I telling myself that makes me feel this way? What am I believing that makes me feel this way? Is there another way of thinking about this situation? Remember, no judgment.

Begin journalling. Journalling is a useful way of keeping a record of your development. You can document your triggers, responses, and growth. There’s no prescribed method for writing. Employ a stream of consciousness (freestyle writing) or use a more structured approach–either works. An example of a structured approach can be noting your responses to the questions listed in the point above. The greatest benefit of journalling is that it allows you to take control by identifying the cause of your stress.

Express your feelings clearly. Once you’ve assessed your emotions and assumed greater control, if what’s causing you stress requires you to speak to someone, do it. Don’t bottle your feelings; communicate them clearly while remembering to consider others. Also, be open to a compromise. 

Reframe your perspective to a more positive outlook. Reframing requires first identifying your feelings and/or thoughts (which we discussed above). Once you’ve done so, aim to transform your negative thoughts or outlook into more constructive ones. You can undergo this mind change by examining the facts of the circumstances to determine if your perspective is valid. Also, question your assumptions. See if what you believe is verifiable. Lastly, look for an alternative explanation or plan.

Explore areas for self-improvement. Switch emotions by getting excited about learning and growing. Use the situation to identify areas for growth and pursue them. As you work on improving yourself, you’ll likely feel a greater sense of peace and more confidence.

Redirect your energy. Sometimes, getting out of our heads and distracting ourselves is best. After implementing all we’ve discussed above, remove yourself even further. Seek out others to help. It’s not running away, but a constructive way of using your time and energy.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a professional opinion. Consult your practitioner for more information on dealing with stress and other mental health issues.

Sources: HelpGuide.org, Momentum Psychology, and National Health Service.