Life can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, drained, and stressed. Following Stress Awareness Month, it’s worth discussing some ways to cope and regain control. The key is knowing what to do to handle the pressure. Here are several stress management strategies to keep in mind.

Do:

Visualize being in a calm space.

When you’re feeling stressed, close your eyes and mentally travel to a place that is soothing and brings you comfort. It can be sitting near a pond, garden, or even a favorite childhood spot. Block out everything around you and let the space you’re in provide tranquility.

Work off stress by exercising.

It can be as simple as an invigorating walk at the park or as robust as a stationary bike class. These stress management activities will release endorphins and work off tension. Engaging in physical activity also revitalizes your mood and helps you sleep better, reducing stress.

Don’t:

Tell yourself you’re not feeling stressed.

Ignoring the stress will only magnify it and eventually lead to an emotional breakdown. Take the time to acknowledge how you’re feeling by journaling about your emotions. Give yourself permission to be vulnerable, and seek out counseling if you don’t know where to turn.

Drink alcohol or take drugs.

These vices might appear to offer relief when you’re in the thick of stressed situations. However, the problems will still be there—and may even get worse—once the effects wear off. There’s also the danger of developing an addiction to alcohol or drugs; this can lead to psychological and physical issues.

For more than 10 years, Counseling Solutions of Alaska in Anchorage has provided personalized solutions for a wide range of emotional disorders. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, their counselors can help. You’ll receive customized care and learn stress management techniques to get you back to living your best life. Call (907) 644-8044 to schedule an appointment. Visit them online to learn more about their services.