Tips for Managing Stress

Feeling stressed out? That’s not a big surprise. The past few years have been one big stressor, and you aren’t alone. The good news is that there’s help available to do something about all that stress.

At Lakepointe Direct Primary Care in Lewisville, Texas, Dr. Marcelo Brito helps patients who are struggling with stress improve their mental health and start enjoying life again. Here are some ways you can work on yourself to manage stress, in addition to seeking professional help.

1. Identify the when, where, and what to understand the why

Do you know why you’re so stressed? If you have a hard time pinning this down, think about the situations when you feel most stressed out. 

• Do you feel more stressed when you get up, when you get home, or before bed?
• Are you experiencing more stress at work, at school, or at home?
• Do you feel like the source of your stress is your job, your family, or your finances?

Identifying the root cause of your stress can help you understand and manage it better. 

2. Learn to say no and set boundaries to reduce stress

It’s easy to fall into the habit of being a people pleaser. This can happen when you keep taking on extra tasks at work, when you always agree to bring snacks for the class, or even when you just can’t say no to one more activity on the week’s to-do list. It’s OK to assert yourself, learn to say no, and not take on more than you can comfortably handle. 

3. Make time regularly to do something for yourself

It’s all too easy to book every minute of every day and not leave any time for ourselves. Begin marking off time just for you, to spend however you like. Self-care can mean taking a nap, getting a massage, reading a book, playing catch with the dog, or enjoying a hobby.

4. Consider reducing stressful lifestyle habits

It’s okay to just want a pizza after a long day at work. Having a glass of wine or a beer on a Friday night isn’t a bad thing. But think about how you can reduce stress on your body with diet improvements, time for exercise, and giving up bad habits like smoking. Less stress on your body is a good thing!

5. Seek help for your stress-related mental health issues

Stress often makes existing mental health problems worse. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even suicidal ideation can all be exacerbated by stress. Getting professional help to lower your levels of anxiety or depression can give you more room to work on your stress triggers.

Need help? Schedule an appointment at Lakepointe Direct Primary Care to start learning more techniques for minimizing stress and get help to improve your mental health. To get in touch, call 972-573-7228 or book an appointment online.