These are stressful times. The coronavirus, social unrest, and economic uncertainty have all added to our already stressful lives. Many of us are socially isolated and limited in our ability to access our normal coping strategies. To help you THRIVE during these stressful times, we have listed 6 steps that you can take to decrease your stress.
Take Action – Quit focusing on those things that you have no control over and start focusing on those things that you have the ability to change. You will be amazed at how much better you feel when you start taking concrete steps toward making your life what you want it to be. Start exercising, start eating healthier, start learning new things, start new hobbies, start treating yourself better, etc. Don’t wait for “everything to get better”, take action now.
Help Others – Too often, we can become self-absorbed in our own problems. Get out of yourself and reach out to others. It will often give you a different perspective. Be kind, considerate, gracious, generous, be loving, it will help you as much as it helps others
Relax Your Body and Your Mind – Stress causes your body to tense and your mind to race. Learn to relax your body and quiet your mind. To relax the body, focus on taking slow deep breaths from the diaphragm and concentrate on relaxing your muscles. To quiet your mind, focus on thoughts or images that are peaceful and non-stress-inducing. The more that you can relax your body and quiet your mind, the more relaxed you will become and the less stressed you will feel.
Invest in Your Well-Being – Investing in your future is important. Invest in your physical, emotional, intellectual, financial, relational, and spiritual well-being. Be purposeful about investing a portion of your time each week in each of these areas. Your future self will thank you.
Veto Toxic People, Places, or Things – Don’t surround yourself with toxic people, places, or things. It will bring you down and make it harder for you to accomplish your goals in life. Limit your exposure to the news and social media and instead use this time to add things that bring you joy.
Explore – Too often, people get stuck in their routines and quit exploring new ways of being. Be willing to try new things and explore new ways of thinking. Life is short, make it as rich and full as you can.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.