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How to Deal With Extreme Stress in Your Life

Stress is your body's normal reaction to life's demands. It is meant as a catalyst for action. Stress becomes harmful and extreme when it stops helping you to act and starts hindering your ability to make decisions and move forward. Finding ways to manage and relieve extreme stress will help bring it back down to a normal level.

  1. Take Control

    • Take control of the situation. This multistep process allows you to work through your stress and gives you power. First, identify what is causing the stress; make a list of everything that you are worried about. Next, assess each problem individually. Determine if it is worth worrying about and if it requires action. List the actions you can take to solve or reduce each problem, then perform the actions. Finally, recognize that you have done all that you can and let go of the rest of your worry.

    Exercise

    • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to release the pent-up frustration, fear and stress inside you. Physical activity increases your heart rate and causes endorphins to be released in your brain. Endorphins are chemicals that cause you to feel happy. Exercise also helps maintain your overall health, which in turn allows you to better withstand high levels of stress.

    Experience Emotions

    • Be patient and allow time to feel and cope with the sources of your stress. Create a stress journal and write down how you are feeling each day. Talk with a trusted friend or professional. Getting your feelings and emotions out will reduce the build-up of stress and can help you better understand your thoughts and feelings.

    Relaxation Techniques

    • Set aside time each day to relax. Choose a relaxation technique that best fits you, such as yoga, breathing exercises or meditation. Listening to calming music in a dark room or taking a bath also might help relax your mind and body. Quietly focusing on these tasks can help you feel calm and in control. Once you feel in control again, you will be in a better frame of mind to solve your problems.

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