How to Manage Your Acute & Chronic Stress

We all have to deal with stress. Some of us can handle stress better than others. But the more tools, knowledge, and skills that you have, the better off you'll be able at handling it. This guide will help you to improve your quality of life and your overall well-being, with some coping strategies. Stress can be either chronic (long term) or acute (short term). Let's discuss both. The most common reason for acute reason is a temporary reaction to a situation that you can quickly resolve. For instance, if you have to wait on line when you're in a rush, or if you locked your keys in the car. Pretty stressful situations! Your cortisol levels -- the stress hormone in your body, will eventually subside. But at the moment when they arise, it feels very intense. Chronic stress is persistent and constant pressure which lasts for a long time, for example, a month or several years. Chronic stress can be caused by various conditions or situations. It's usually a symptom of those who have high pressure jobs and who are Type A personalities. Sometimes we are living with chronic stress without even knowing it. When you are stressed you become vulnerable to over-eating, mental illness, depression, high blood pressure and different types of mental issues. Tips to Manage Stress

1. Identify the sources of your stress first to get started. Notice how you react to your stress and how your behavior changes. Take a stress management class or reschedule your personal life and work to reduce stress. Get in touch with your supportive friends.
2. Understand how your behavior and reactions cause stress. This way, you can identify your stress profile and understand your mind and body. Our body reacts to stress in various physical ways. For instance, there are certain symptoms of stress like rapid heartbeat, stomach-ache, nausea, headaches and muscle tension.
3. After that, identify the stressors that are responsible for your problems. This way, you can come up with ways to manage your stress. If you feel helpless, it means you are in chronic stress. If your life is not on track, you may feel fatigued and overwhelmed. Find your ways to avoid stressors in your life, or find ways to cope better.
4. After identifying your stressors, change your response to them. Have realistic understanding and expectations on what you can and cannot do to let go of your stress and wishful thinking. Plan ahead of time and organize your work. Have patience and flexibility in your life to reduce your stress. Keep everything in perspective to reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Perform physical activities like jogging, exercising, breathing and stretching on a daily basis to manage and reduce your stress. Learn some relaxation techniques like deep breathing to improve your quality of life and relieve the tension. When you soothe your mind you'll feel more focused and centered.
6. Take time for yourself and plan a vacation to relax your body, mind and spirit. Take a rest and spend time doing the things that you love. Make the most of your time together with friends and family. Laugh, and have fun!