How to cope stress when nothing seems to work?
Imagine of the times when your thoughts seem to be a jumbled mass that are all pulling you in different directions. The feeling is like attempting to navigate a thick forest without a visible route ahead. In times like these, it is of utmost importance to relax your mind as this helps with clarity.
Stress can have a trapping effect, keeping you stuck in a loop of anxiety and doubt. It's a state of being immobile, where time seems to go on forever and you are driven by a strong desire to escape the hold of anxiety. But how often do we actually put in the time and effort to untangle our thoughts and come to a decision?
Think of it like a ball of yarn that's been knotted and twisted—it needs to be unraveled before you can use it. In much the same way, our minds require clarity and peace to function properly, and that begins with untangling our thoughts.
Here's some simple steps I take to help myself during those trying times:
Prayer: Seeking direction and support from a higher power can bring comfort during difficult times. I tend to pray about my difficulties and seek God's guidance in helping me decide on particular situations. Praying gives me comfort that I am not alone in this and that the problems are just a part and parcel of life.
Self-assurance: Tell yourself that you have the courage to go through difficult circumstances and that they are only temporary. Have faith that better times are coming. Remember the famous quote ‘You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, Smarter than you think, and more Loved than you'll ever know’
Problem-Solving: Take on your difficulties head-on and solve them methodically rather than completely avoiding or denying them. Remember you may avoid it but it will stay somewhere at the back of your mind, and the more you keep for ‘later’ the more problems you will have to sort. Take them one at a time, break them down into small tasks and then try to them out part by part, this will help in resolving the problems quicker.
Self-Belief: Have confidence in your own abilities to overcome obstacles. Have faith in yourself to overcome every obstacle that comes your way.
Seek help : Sometimes things can grow our hands and we may need help. During this time, don’t hesitate to speak to your family or friends or you can consider seeking therapy. Sharing your feelings with others can provide comfort and perspective during challenging times. Remember, we all deal with our own sets of problems and there is no shame in seeking help.
Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: To relax your body and mind, try progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing techniques, or meditation.
Physical Activity: Take part in regular exercise regimens like yoga, dancing, jogging, or walking. Engaging in physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which naturally elevate mood, and lowers stress hormones.
Healthy Lifestyle Options: Give priority to well-being practices including eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and abstaining from excessive alcohol and caffeine use. Living a healthy lifestyle can help you become more stress-resistant.
Take Part in Calm Activities: Allocate time for enjoyable and soothing activities, like gardening, reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature. Taking part in fun activities can assist in promoting inner calm and serving as a stress-relief.
Remember, as human beings, we have moments of doubt and uncertainty. Through the use of these simple techniques and seeking support when required, we can progressively decode the complex layers of our thoughts and discover calm amongst the chaos.
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