Seven Tips For Dealing With Stress

Stress is a normal part of life.  We all deal with it.

This past weekend I went on a bike ride with a friend, and as we enjoyed the beautiful Northern Michigan weather, we discussed several items that were bringing stress into our life.  As I reflect back on that conversation, I am reminded of the fact there will ALWAYS be stress in our life.

The main issue is, HOW DO WE DEAL WITH IT?

In today’s post, I would like to give you seven tips for dealing with your stress in a productive way.

Seven Tips For Dealing With Stress

Get connected.

Start a habit of connecting in a vulnerable way to God and close friends.  A significant issue of stress is that we keep it to ourselves; sharing with others (in a vulnerable way) what is causing stress can help your brain move into action to resolve it.

Focus.

Create two lists, a list of items you can control and items that are out of your control.  Set your focus on what you can control and talk to God and your friends about what you cannot control.  Determine to make slow steady progress on the things you can control.

Exercise.

Get outside and take a walk, hike, or run (get the heart rate up).  Go to the gym and put in a solid, calorie-burning exercise.  You will be surprised at how well you feel mentally after the workout.

Work on a goal.

Personally, I love my Monday to-do list.  I usually have about 20 items on it (from small to big daily and weekly goals).  As I focus on the goals and accomplishing them, I notice that my focus is removed from the stress items that I have no control over.

Turn off.

Unplug from Social media, news, and other multi-media stimuli.  In fact, take a 24-hour break from all media at least once a month (actually, try to do it at least once a week) and see how your stress levels improve.

Have Fun!

If you have done ALL YOU CAN on the items that cause you stress it’s time to set them aside and go have fun.  Include others with you in your fun activity, like a bike ride.

Set some boundaries.

Get some limits on whatever or whoever is causing you stress.  If you struggle with boundaries in your life, then consider reading the book BOUNDARIES by Henry Cloud and John Townsend.

I trust these seven tips will help you with your stress.  Let’s start a coaching engagement to make even more progress in your life and reach new goals you never thought possible.