Psychologists are experts who help us solve problems, overcome fears, and resolve our feelings so that we can stay calm and healthy. But they are also human beings, and sometimes they also have to deal with stress.
We will show you some methods that even professionals use to help reduce stress.
How To Deal With Stress
8. Write Down Everything That Comes To Mind
John Duffy, a clinical psychologist and author of a book about teenagers’ upbringing, says, “To reduce stress, I make notes.
Thoughts, situations, relationships, article ideas. I write and structure everything that comes to my mind.
This creative process is really useful because we forget about the problems, our heads are clear, the tension decreases. After that, I can see things from a different perspective. “
7. Be Choosy When Buying Ingredients For A Dish You Want To Cook
Psychotherapist, writer, and teacher Jeffrey Sumber use these methods to deal with stress:
“When I feel depressed, I like to eat. But it must be a healthy meal or a dish I have never made before. I spend a lot of time visiting the store, choosing ingredients. Then I carefully cut them, prepare the dressings, and slowly eat the dish”.
I often post the results on Facebook to make my friends envious! “
6. Tighten All Of Your Muscles
American psychotherapist Kevin Chapman uses the progressive muscle relaxation method that was developed in 1920.
The idea is simple: after any strong tension, a strong relaxation arises. This means that you need to squeeze the muscles for 10 seconds and then focus on feeling relaxed for 20 seconds.
There are 200 exercises for all muscle groups in total. Just be sure to pay attention to each muscle group.
5. React Correctly Or Don’t React At All
Psychologist Susan Krauss Whitbourne does not combat stress. She has a special mantra that she repeats when she finds herself in a stressful situation. She says, “I can’t change the situation, but I can change my reaction.”
A positive reaction to a negative situation helps you avoid stress and even gain some experience if you find it challenging. You can also learn from your mistakes.
4. Stop The Flow Of Your Thoughts
Psychologist Martin Seligman recommends an easy and popular method that helps clear the head.
Clap your hands and scream, “Stop! I’ll think about it later!” You can also wear a bracelet around your wrist and snap it or pinch yourself every time you start thinking about something that doesn’t benefit you right now.
Use these tricks to break the thought cycle and postpone a problem for a while. Then try to direct your attention to an extraordinary object or exercise.
3. Spend An Hour On Your Hobby And Things You Like
Psychotherapist Amy Przeworski recommends having a period of time where you can do whatever you want.
Read, draw, cook, exercise, which makes you happy. Without work, without responsibilities, without negative thoughts, there should be nothing that bothers you.
2. Stimulate Your Nerves
Toni Bernhard suggests an unusual but effective method, based on physiology.
Swipe your lips with your index finger. This movement touches the nerves located on the surface of the lips, which stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to calm down.
1. Try Different Classic Methods
Obviously, there are classic ways to get rid of the stress that works, too.
For example, Deborah Serani, a clinical psychologist and author of a book Living With Depression, tries to give her body everything it needs.
“I use everything that touches my feelings. For example, I can just sit in my car and listen to jazz on the radio, draw, relax in the hot tub, or enjoy delicious and tasty tea.”
Therapist Joyce Marter uses a common method among AA members: To clarify your thoughts, you must do something useful.
For example, clean the work area, wash dishes, etc. The main rule is that it should help you divert your attention and distract you from thinking about what is stressing you out.
Psychologist Susan Newman believes that there is no better antidepressant than our friends. And Dr. Stephanie Sarkis turns to yoga, sports, or just rest and sleep.
The Main Concept
The main concept for getting rid of stress is to distance yourself from the problem for a while. And the better you do, the faster you will recover and be ready for new challenges.
And which method did you like the most? Do you have a unique way of dealing with stress? Share with us!
