If you tend to hit the gym whenever you feel on edge, all three therapists say this is a great way to deal with stress. Similar to meditation, it can work as a preventive habit too. âExercise releases endorphins, improves mood, and reduces the levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Regular exercise also helps with sleep, which is really important when managing stress,â Fierheller says.
A lot of time, stress can stem from feeling overwhelmed because of so much that needs to be done. When this happens, you likely arenât going to feel better until you start tackling whatâs on your plate. Not sure where to start? Fierheller says there are two ways you can go: doing whatâs easiest first or starting with what youâre dreading the most. âTackling easy wins first builds momentum and can be the least overwhelming, but facing the most dreaded tasks early can provide a stronger sense of relief,â he says.
Cassine says that when stress is getting the best of you, talking it out can also help. Remember that support system youâve been cultivating? Consider who would be most beneficial to talk to about what youâre doing through. For example, do you need advice on how to deal with a boss whoâs making your life hell? Are you going through a rough patch with your partner and could use advice from that friend whoâs good at giving relationship advice? Maybe you just need someone who will listen.
When talking to someone in your support system about whatâs on your mind, Fierheller says that the key is to express how you’re feeling without expecting them to fix things right away. âLet them know you just need support. Having someone actively listen and validate your feelings makes a big difference. It’s usually less about solutions and more about feeling heard,â he says.
While not every stressful experience requires enlisting the help of a therapist, there are times when itâs a good idea. âTalking to a therapist can be especially helpful when stress feels overwhelming or hard to manage alone,â Fierheller says. âTherapists offer a non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely and explore the root causes of your stress. They can also help you develop personalized coping strategies and provide new perspectives to tackle challenges in healthier ways through different models of therapy.â
You may be wondering what therapists think about having a drink as a way to de-stress. While Thewes says that itâs fine to do this once in a while, he doesnât recommend making it a nightly or even regular ritual. âNumbing or disconnecting from stress isnât the same as dealing with stress. It doesnât go away,â he says. On top of that, Thewes points out that even small amounts of alcohol can impact sleep quality. âSleep is the bedrock of solid stress management. That couple of drinks youâre having after work feels good in the moment, but ultimately reduces our ability to manage stress well,â he says.
There’s obviously no single right answer here. But if you have your game plan set for both preparing in advance for stress and knowing what to do when it hits you, youâre well-prepared.
