Chicago Home and Lifestyles –  Stress resilience

Maybe one of your goals is to live with less stress in your life next year. Of course, we would like to be completely stress free, but that isn’t realistic. The best thing we can do is practice stress resilience. Stress resilience is the ability to face stress and recover from it. You’ll get better with practice, so here are a few tips to try.

Do stress checks three times a day. Sometimes stressors come at us, and we don’t even realize it. Stop and think about what may be bothering you whether mental or physical. Just acknowledging the feeling can work towards defeating it!

Create a stress shield. While you think about what is stressing you, ask yourself: how have I dealt with something like this in the past? Whether it was a work project or a relationship, remembering how you coped before could remind you of the resources you have to deal with the stressor. 

Try to remember times you have been successful. When you are especially worried about something, fight the thought “Why me?” and cultivate an attitude that says “Bring it on!”. Remember: you can only change what you have control over. Let the rest work itself out!

Treat your stress fitness just the same as your physical fitness. The two are actually related. Sometimes we need to relax into the uncomfortable feeling, similar to how we expect a reasonable amount of pain when physically exerting ourselves. Instead of tensing up under stress, do something that relaxes your mind and body. Working out is a happy medium for both!

Practice gratitude for all the good things in your life. Often in the hubbub and stress of life we have a hard time focusing on the good things. In the morning and evening, try to think of a few things in your life that make you feel thankful. Doing this prepares you for the day and can help you to get a good night’s sleep. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago