How to Manage Stress

With the demands and pressure to achieve our goals weighing us down, it’s easy to lose focus and feel helpless. This is how you can relax and manage your stress

Your friends are married. Check. Slaying their dream careers. Check. Posting selfies at vacations on social media. Check. Depressing isn’t it? Especially if you feel like life seems to favour everyone else except you. No matter how much we may map out the direction we want our lives to steer into or try to have everything under control things do take a different, unexpected or even a disappointing turn. Many factors that seem beyond our control may seem heavy, which makes giving up the only option to take. Whatever situation that seems unbearable right now, from a bad breakup, being swamped at work, being a breadwinner or having doors shut in your face is a temporary phase that can trigger a lot of stress. Sometimes the only thing you are in full control of is how you react to any situation you face. Below are ways I try to manage my stress:

Have that one friend on speed dial: I have been fortunate to have best friends who I know I can count on any time. They have celebrated my ups and have been there for me at my worse times. Find that special someone you trust to always confide in. They may not have all the solutions but their support and shoulder to cry on makes all the differences in the world.

Pray: We are all spiritual beings who use different ways of connecting with the Higher being. To me, it is God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I always make time to ask for God’s guidance in everything that I am going through. I go through moments when I feel He is distant but He always answers with blessings beyond my expectations.

Find inspiration: Read motivational books and biographies of successful people you look up to. You will find that they also went through a lot of challenges and failures. Be motivated by their resilience that got them to where they are now.

Laugh out Loud: I am a sucker for comedy because it always elevates my mood. Spend at least five minutes on YouTube listening to the crazy things your favourite comedians have to say. I’m crazy about Trevor Noah, Skhumba and Kevin Hart.

Let go: Release the pain, frustration and hurt that comes with the challenges you are going through by focusing your thoughts on what makes you smile. Whether it’s your vision board, your friends, or your partner. Let God take care of the rest while you try to live life to the full.

How do you manage your stress?