Stress weaves its way into nearly every part of our lives.

There’s work stress. Family stress. Even holiday stress.

Stress is normal, but that doesn’t mean the impact and intensity are proportional for everyone. If it is a debilitating part of your daily routine, you aren’t alone. Roughly 33% of people report feeling extreme stress.

Symptoms of stress vary from person to person, yet common examples include:

• 
  Anxiety
• Irritability
• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Body aches
• Panic attacks
• Difficulty sleeping
• High blood pressure

Although the complete elimination of stress isn’t possible, you can find better ways to handle it.

Healthy Ways To Cope With Your Stress

Rather than relying on vices or destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, here are seven healthy ways to cope with stress.

1. Prioritize Your Hobbies

Hobbies offer an excellent break from the demands of work and life. Make that special activity a priority. Whether you love creating something with your hands or absorbing your favorite form of entertainment, set time aside for yourself.

2. Connect With Others

Isolation has a way of compounding stress. Even for introverts, there are numerous benefits to spending time with friends and family. In particular, face-to-face conversations release hormones that can reduce stress. You could also volunteer. Evidence has shown that helping others may make you more resilient.

3. Get Enough Sleep

According to the CDC, more than a third of American adults don’t get enough sleep. Chances are you need more rest. By setting stricter parameters around your waking and working hours, you can find better balance throughout your day.

4. Bond With A Pet

Time spent with furry friends is not wasted. Pets can boost both your health and mood. Even if you are allergic to cats or dogs, remember that less traditional pets may also provide the lift you need.

5. Exercise More Often

Staying active is always important. And exercise doesn’t necessarily require a change of clothes or a trip to the gym. Simply walking during your lunch break is an effective way to reduce stress in the middle of the day.

6. Learn To Say No

There are always opportunities to do this and that. It’s great when other people want to include you, but agreeing to something you don’t actually want to do creates resentment. It can also increase stress. Learning to say no is a way of protecting yourself. Friends and family will understand if you can’t always participate.

7. Talk To An Expert

Stress is not an obstacle you must face alone. That’s why many people rely on general counseling. Working with a licensed expert can help you learn new techniques to battle your stress and thrive in the process.

To learn more about how Headwater Counseling can provide the support you or a loved one needs, please contact us today.