Stress at home can have many causes, from difficult living situations, financial struggles, or damage caused by burst pipes or bad weather. Learning to cope with stress is important, especially if your stress is beginning to have an impact on your home life. Here are some of the best ways to cope with stress.
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Take Control
If your stress is being caused by something like a renovation project that is dragging on, or damage after a storm or DIY disaster, you can ease stress by taking control of the problem. Get to work dealing with any damage done, such as water damaged hardwood, call your insurer, and get the professionals in to fix the problem. If you’re doing something about the problem, you’re going to feel more in control and less stressed out.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best stress-busters there is. It won’t solve your stress entirely, but it will help you to manage it more effectively. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve your mood, and reduce your levels of stress hormones. Any exercise works, whether you go to the gym, swim, run, cycle, or just go for a brisk walk. Exercise can also help with stress by giving you some headspace and time to yourself.
Connect With People
A strong support network is an important tool against stress. If your living situation is what is causing you stress, then your support network is unlikely to be at home. Instead, you could turn to family members that you don’t live with, friends, support groups, or a therapist. It’s important to have someone to talk to about the way you feel, whoever that ends up being. By connecting with others, you can discuss your worries, have a laugh, and take your mind off what is making you feel stressed out. Find someone to support you.
Get Some Me Time
If something at home is making you stressed, get out of the house for some ‘me time’. You could go for a walk alone, take yourself out for lunch or a coffee, or go to visit a friend. You could head to the gym, or go out for a run. The main thing is to leave the house and spend some time on your own, so you can clear your head and relax. If you’re really struggling, you could treat yourself to a weekend away. Book a hotel, and enjoy yourself with nobody else to please.
And make sure you limit your alcohol consumption. Remember, alcohol is a depressant and makes daily stresses so much more powerful to overcome. If you feel you cannot control your drinking, consider addiction treatment options.
Challenge Yourself
You can set yourself a challenge, either at work or at home, to help you feel like you’ve achieved something. You could aim to learn a language, take up a craft, try a new sport, or take on a new challenge at work. Trying something new, and achieving something, will give you a sense of pride and emotional wellbeing, which can help with stress. Having your challenge to think about also give you something to take your mind off whatever it is that is worrying you. Focus on your task, and not on stress.