How To Manage Stress

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I have known myself to be a person who, under stressful circumstances, releases tension through binge eating. Usually, it is such time I crave for something sweet like ice cream, chocolate and cake.  Because I know myself too well, I purposely never buy and store any of those food at home lest I will be tempted to eat it when I'm stressed. The only sweet I could find on the dining table is banana.

According to Helpguide.org, stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way.

Freelancers who take many projects that they can actually handle or doing a very difficult task can easily get stressed. Since freelancers often have their homes as their offices too, they tend to overwork and get overwhelmed. Unlike when you work in an office, you can leave your work behind and your stress too. So, the best thing to do is learn how to manage your stress. 

You simply know when you are stressed. Nevertheless, here are the signs and symptoms of stress overload from the article Understanding Stress SYMPTOMS, SIGNS, CAUSES, AND EFFECTS.

If you are experiencing any or all of the above, it goes to say, you are stressed. And you need to manage it before it's going to kill you.

To be able to manage your stress effectively, you must find out the root cause of it.  People have different coping mechanism, so when you have identified the reason of your stress, you can try different methods of relieving yourself from that situation.

One that certainly works for me during a stressful situation is to walk away and have a quiet walk outside the house.  I like people-watching and taking pictures--simple things that can take my mind off from what stresses me out.

Below are some some tips or sort of reminders on how to manage stress or avoid being stressed.

1.  Attitude

Sometimes, it is just about your attitude--the way you see things and do things. Some things are not really meant to be stressful but you are making a big fuss out of it. Learn to let go of something or someone that stresses you out. Don't waste your time thinking about things or talking to a person that isn't really helping you in any way. You can grab a self-help book, motivational book or check some inspiring blog that teaches you about positive thinking, discipline or being happy.

2.  Change the situation

If the thing that stresses you out can be altered, then do it. If it's about time management then learn and apply it. It may take a little time to see the results but eventually if you have successfully change the situation, you will feel so relieved. 

3.  Express your feelings

That's where your good friends come in.  Talking to someone who is willing to listen about your ranting, sometimes, can make a big difference out of you. 

4.  Physical activity 

Physical activity like hiking, biking or working out relieves you from stress. It keeps you healthy too. 

5.  Spend time for fun and relaxation

We have different definition of fun and so is our way of our relaxation. Spend some time doing the things that relaxes you or that makes you happy. For me it's just reading a book, watching movie, writing a blog, and having a massage. 

I hope you find this blog post helpful. If there is anything you wish to add, feel free to leave your comments below.