Stress is a part of life, but when stress continues to rise it can be hard to handle. While we can’t completely avoid stressful times, these strategies can help us cope and care for ourselves.
Know your stress signals
Everyone experiences stress differently. You may feel angry, irritable, tired, sad or “checked out.” Some people have trouble concentrating or making decisions; others try to push through to feel productive. Either way, it’s important to notice when stress is building up and taking control. That way, you can put yourself back in the driver’s seat.
Take care of your body
Chronic stress is hard on the body. Try focusing on your most simple, basic needs: food, movement and sleep. When stress feels big, it’s okay to start small. Taking a walk, remembering to eat breakfast and going to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual are great ways to get started.
Find your balance
You don’t have to make the best, healthiest choices all the time. Stress isn’t comfortable—it’s tempting to reach for a short-term escape in things like alcohol, isolation or zoning out on your phone. Avoidance is normal, but that relief is only temporary. Notice when you’re relying on it too much, but don’t beat yourself up or set unrealistic expectations. That pressure will only add to your stress. Instead, be kind to yourself and try to find more balance in the ways that you’re coping.
Take breaks
When work is piling up, you might feel pressure to keep working straight through until you’re finished. But everyone needs a break—take one! Go for a walk, chat with a co-worker, listen to a song you like or close your eyes and breathe for a minute. The work will still be there when you get back.
Ask for help
Lean on the people you trust and ask for what you need—from your friends, family, co-workers and your manager. We all need help from time to time. People are often eager to lend a helping hand, but they need to know how. If there’s something specific you need, at work or at home, to make things easier it’s okay to ask.
Lyra Health: Join and learn more
No matter what you’re going through, Lyra can help. An expert mental health professional can offer you useful perspectives, and resources to manage your stress.
Vanderbilt employees and their families are eligible to receive 12 counseling sessions per household member each year, at no cost to employees.
Sign up today at vanderbilt.lyrahealth.com or call 877-804-2856.
You can view frequently asked questions on the Office of Health and Wellness website.
