Bonus Content: 3 Powerful Tips To Reduce Everyday Stress

Faye Casement Author

May 05, 2024 |

Want to know my top 3 tips for reducing everyday stress?

Often stress will manifest when we least expect it.  It is also something that can knock heavily into you life and weight loss journey.

It can often be a build-up of little things through the course of the day that if left unprocessed carry over to the next and so on.

I used to describe my life like I was on an escalator…it would take me up and up and I would feel like I had no control over the destination or my life.  It just kept building and building.

The problem with my escalator though was there was no landing at the top just a big crash off the end. 

I would go through the same cycle burying my issues and letting them take me higher and higher up the escalator. 

Denial and avoidance were my personal coping mechanisms.

I would tell myself that:

“stress was bad”,

“that I shouldn’t feel that way”,

“that I should be able to cope”,

“that I had no choice but just keep going on”

I felt trapped!

Have you ever felt that way?  Reach out I would like to know!

So here are 3 stress-busting tips that I use that have helped me to lose the stress escalator:

- Stress-Busting Tip #1

Be on the lookout for it.  Stressors can be sneaky little feckers that creep up on you when you least expect or want them.

It is tempting to try and brush them aside or say you will deal with it later but then never do.  What you are left with is an icky residue and those thoughts if undealt with will just keep coming back.

So, resolve now to identify them…capture them, and work on them!  In the moment if you can.  If not you can always use a worry or stress bucket!

The “bucket” or sometimes called the parking lot, just means a place you are popping them until you have time to deal.  It is great if you can deliberately set out time in your day to do this.

So, you could in the moment write a note for yourself (pop it in your bucket).  Even writing it down will make you feel better!

Later that day get all your bucket (parked) items out at your allotted time.  It is best if you set a timer and only give yourself that time in order to work on them, so you are not ruminating all night!

You can then look to explore your stresses/worries/doubts whatever you have in the bucket. If you have a few go for the one that feels most pressing.

Now it is after the fact you are likely going to be able to process your thoughts a little more clearly.  I teach my clients a few ways to do this but a good start is to gather awareness.  To do this I write about the issue, where does it come from, what are you thinking/feeling about it.   A big question I like to ask myself is “Is it true?”.  I then move into action mode…what do I want to think/feel/do instead, now and in the future. 

In doing this exercise you will become more empowered rather than feeling at the mercy of those pesky stressors!

- Stress-Busting Tip #2

Another tool I have found useful when I feel the stress rising is to try and release stress throughout the day.

There are a variety of mindfulness techniques that I use but my favourite is something I saw suggested by Brendon Bruchard which he calls his “release meditation”.  I made it a bit simpler for me, but I basically take a number of deep breathes and say “release” whilst pushing my hands away from my body.  It helps me to sleep too!

Other techniques I sometimes use are:

• Taking 3 deep breaths and slowly releasing each one, 
• A few yoga stretches,
• Affirmations,
• Journaling,
• Desk exercises,
• Tapping,
• 5 senses exercise,
• Smiling 😁

The list is endless!  Why not pop into my Facebook group (Join Here) and share yours!

The aim is to bring yourself to this very moment.

Many may feel mindfulness and presence is a bit "Woo" but it does actually have scientific grounds as you are seeking to calm your limbic system.

- Stress-Busting Tip #3

The very best thing that you can do for yourself is to look after your wellbeing and give yourself self-care which can include many things.

Eating, drinking, moving, and resting – to suit your true bodily needs and ultimately your health, help tremendously.

May seem fundamental but you can have physical stress and mental stress. 

When you don’t get the number of hours of sleep that you need each night, for example, you are only setting yourself up for additional stress as the tiredness will lead to additional thoughts, food cravings and lower your mood etc. 

When you drink alcohol your liver and other bodily functions will have to operate differently taking energy away from where you need it to deal with the stress.  Which is an odd one when you think about it as many people may actually have a glass of wine (or two) for swift relief but the one thing it does not do is solve the root cause for lasting stress reduction.

It is also important to find food for the soul! Spend time doing things you love…listen to music, dance, arts and crafts, walking, time with friends whatever floats your boat!

When we are content and living a balanced life, everyday stresses can be reduced and you are then more equipped to deal with the ups and downs. 

So….

What is one particular stressor in your life you would like to work on?

What can you do to work on it until you regain control and increase wellbeing?

What is one easy step you can do right now to find more balance today? 

Ladies, have you joined my free Facebook™ Group yet? If not, you should really head over there as there are lots of great resources in there Join Here

Ready to really get started and hit the ground running then book a FREE Discovery call to learn more about how I can help you with life or weight loss Book Here

The time is now, find the freedom you deserve.

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