What stresses do you wake up to each day? Many people begin their day with a hefty dose of stress; feelings of anxiety and overwhelm can set in before their day has even started. Stress is an inevitable part of life, it’s something that we all experience, whether it’s due to work, relationships, health, finances or unexpected events.
Stress isn’t always bad, sometimes there are times when stress can be beneficial, it reminds us that we care; it connects us directly with the most challenging and important aspects of our lives. If we know how to handle it, stress can motivate us to take action and accomplish our goals. As long as it’s not chronic, stress can be a positive addition to our lives.
However, if left unmanaged, unwelcome stress can cause a lot of harm. It can lead to physical and mental health problems, decreased productivity, and a decreased quality of life. In fact, stress can have a ripple effect on all areas of your life. For example, if you’re having problems at work, it’s likely to affect your productivity, this will affect your mood which will then impact your relationships. Chances are you won’t sleep well, over time you might get sick, work will get worse and so on.
Needless to say, it’s important to learn how to manage stress.
Developing stress resilience is a way to cope with stress in a healthy and productive way, allowing you to stay on top of things and maintain a positive stress mindset.
What Is Stress Resilience?
Stress resilience is the ability to bounce back from stress and adversity. It involves developing a positive mindset that allows you to view stress as a challenge rather than a threat. It’s the ability to recognise and acknowledge that a situation has become difficult or painful and you choose a response that leads to growth.
How to Develop Stress Resilience
People with stress resilience are better able to cope with stress and adapt to changing circumstances. Here’s how to develop yours…
1. Reframe Your Mindset
One of the most important ways to develop stress resilience is to reframe your mindset. Instead of seeing stress as a threat, try to view it as a challenge or opportunity that can help you grow and develop. This will help you approach stress with a positive attitude, you’ll be more open to ideas on how to solve the issue and you’ll find it easier to cope with.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing stress. It involves being present in the moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you can learn to manage your stress more effectively and develop greater resilience. Breathwork is key. The next time you begin to feel stressed try taking a few long and deep breaths, focusing on the breath itself. At the same time, rub your forefinger and thumb together, paying complete attention to the sensation. By being present in the moment, stress will reduce.
3. Take Care Of Your Physical Health
Whilst it can be tempting to reach for the wine glass when things get tough, the solution is only temporary and the day after, stresses and anxieties can actually feel worse. Your physical health plays a crucial role in your ability to manage stress. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are all important for maintaining your physical health and building stress resilience.
4. Connect With Others
Having strong social connections is also important for developing stress resilience. People-connection leads to increased levels of oxytocin which functions to decrease anxiety levels. Therefore, spending time with friends and family, joining social groups, and generally just being around people can all help you feel more connected and supported, making it easier to manage stress. Talking to someone you trust about your stresses can help you gain perspective and feel less alone.
5. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for maintaining a positive stress mindset. Take a relaxing bath, read a good book, practice yoga or go for a walk in nature. Just stop and take some time to do something for you, something which you enjoy and which you know helps you to relax and take some time out. It will reduce your stress and further build resilience.
6. Seek Professional Help
If you are struggling to manage stress on your own, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist, counselor or coach can help you develop coping strategies and provide support as you work to build stress resilience.
Maintaining a Positive Stress Mindset
Once you have developed some stress resilience, it’s important to maintain a positive stress mindset. This means continuing to approach stress with a positive attitude, even when things are difficult. Some strategies for maintaining a positive stress mindset include:
- Practice gratitude – each morning write down 3 things for which you are grateful for. Focusing on the positive things in your life can help you feel more resilient in the face of stress.
- Stay positive – the way you talk to yourself can impact how you feel about stress. Instead of focusing on negative thoughts like “I can’t handle this,” try to reframe your thoughts in a positive way. For example, you could say “I’ve dealt with challenges before, and I can handle this too.”
- Continue to prioritise self-care – life can be busy so if you need to, diarise some time for self-care to ensure it happens. Treat it as an important meeting, it doesn’t get moved for anything.
- Celebrate your successes – each evening before you go to bed, celebrate your wins for the day, look at all you’ve achieved and give yourself a pat on the back (don’t focus on what you haven’t achieved)
- Focus on solutions rather than problems – this will keep you positive and striving forward
By maintaining a positive stress mindset, you can continue to build stress resilience, manage situations well and live a happier and healthier life.
Stress resilience is an essential skill for managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset. By reframing your mindset, practicing mindfulness, taking care of your physical health, connecting with others, practicing self-care, and seeking professional help when needed, you can develop greater resilience and cope with stress more effectively.
Remember, stress is a normal part of life, but with the right tools and mindset, you can learn to manage it in a healthy way. By maintaining a positive stress mindset, you can continue to build resilience and live a happier, healthier life.
