Stress can be either positive or negative and is a normal part of everyone’s life. Managing stress, however, is where things can start to feel impossible. In today’s world, we are bombarded with information, updates, notifications, and even fake news. Add that to the stresses of our own everyday lives and the results can feel overwhelming. This is where living a more mindful life can come in handy.
What is a “Mindful Life”?
The simplest way to explain is to talk about staying present. Most of our worries and stresses derive from past regrets and future concerns. In the moment, we have control and perspective. Being mindful is to recognize the power of the present moment and seek to maximize it.
To move towards a more mindful life, we need to take many new steps. For example:
- Commitment: Staying in the moment is a moment-to-moment process. We must choose this as a long term lifestyle.
- Gratitude: Choose appreciation over expectations.
- Patience: It’s not about perfection. Choose process over purity.
5 Strategies for Managing Stress & Living a More Mindful Life
1. Basic Self-Care
There are a few fundamental choices we can all make to help find the best in each of us. These choices include:
- Regular sleep patterns: Without steady sleep, stress instantly becomes untenable. No matter how bad we feel things are, we must get enough sleep to deal with them again tomorrow.
- Healthy eating habits: Properly fueling our bodies also builds the mental strength we need to juggle the daily stressors of life. Many folks find it to be challenging when it comes to eating habits. Consult a dietician or nutritionist.
- Daily exercise and activity: Our bodies were created to move. Learn ways to integrate movement and activity into your busy life.
These three basic, non-negotiable steps create a foundation from which we can find the strength needed for managing stress.
2. Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
A major part of a mindful life is finding ways to relax in the moment. Meditation is a proven method for slowing down and embracing the present. Other options include breathing exercises, Tai Chi, and yoga. However, we each define relaxation our own way. Thus, find whatever works for you—from rock climbing to knitting—and make it a regular part of your life.
3. Mindfulness
Yes, it comes back to this. Accept it a practice. Commit to it as an ongoing process of discovery. We can start with focusing on each activity of our day. When washing the dishes or brushing our hair or writing out a shopping list, try to stay present with the experience.
4. Look for Role Models
You don’t have to re-invent the wheel. Whether it’s a public figure or someone you know, seek out those who have dealt effectively with similar situations. Learn from them while adding your own personal touch. Success leaves clues. Find them.
5. Seek Balance
Even the most stressful of times doesn’t automatically mean we have to sacrifice all attempts at balance. If you have to, literally schedule in fun time. Be sure to laugh and see good friends and experience intimacy with your partner.
Managing Stress Can be a Team Effort
There’s no special medal for handling everything on your own. In fact, some may say it takes more courage to ask for help. Such help may appear in the form of a one-on-one counselor. Working with a therapist is a safe space, a calm space in which stress can be discussed with detachment. You’ll learn to recognize self-sabotaging patterns. Together, you’ll formulate new strategies for staying mindful and managing stress. Collective efforts have been shown to bring quicker and longer-lasting results.
