How To Avoid Stressful Triggers

Sorry for the late post. This week has been hard on me mentally and physically.

Here are common triggers for those who suffer from anxiety and depression and some ways to help avoid those triggers.

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed?! These are common, every day struggles that can leave you feeling down in the dumps. You can't always avoid stress but you can attempt to limit the amount of overwhelming stress that you are feeling. 

• Let's say that you have several tasks that need to be done in a day, this can be overwhelming. I have noticed that when this happens I don’t know where to begin, which stresses me out even more. Try to break them out. Start with the easy things, it will feel good to check items off of your list, and you will start to feel the weight being lifted as you continue to complete your tasks.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help can feel like admitting defeat, but how will you ever feel better if you do not ask for the help that you need? You may be surprised who is in your corner.
• Know your limits, if there is something that you can't complete by a deadline, let your supervisor, or whomever, know right away. Ask them to prioritize the items that you are working on so that you can focus on what is the most important and go from there.
• Do not be afraid to say no and be assertive when you need to be.

Medical Issues. Personally, we have been through the ringer with medical and health conditions. My husband has a condition that will follow him around for the rest of his life, last month I had surgery and next month my husband will be having surgery, so as you can see medical is a huge stress for us right now. My best advice is to not ignore it. 

• If there is something that you need to do to get your health on track, then do so. Take care of any immediate needs then schedule regular follow ups for the rest. This doesn’t solve the problem but I have noticed that when we take care of the issue head on we feel so much better. 
• Do what you can to remain active and let your endorphin's keep you happy.

Does your job stress you out?! Mine sure does! So, what can you do to help get you through the day? 

• Try not to let the actions of others bother you. This can be challenging but why let them win? Stand tall, be true to yourself and try to forget the rest. 
• When you need to start updating your resume. This alone can provide you with the hope of a better situation and may be just the thing that you need to get you through the day. Sign up for continuing education, maybe you just need a refresher in Microsoft to keep you confident. 
• If all else fails then have a random dance party. I have adopted this method for stress relief after watching 'Grey's Anatomy'. You put on a song and start jumping, dancing and moving around. By song number two you wont want to stop! Again, let your endorphin's make you smile.

  

Money. This one can be very difficult, when bills are piling up, and you are feeling overwhelmed. Having money issues can be the hardest to face head on, especially if you have no idea on how to correct these issues. 

• Take control where you can and try not to stress what is outside of your control. I know, easier said than done. 
• Create a budget and review it weekly, to ensure that you are on track. If you need help budgeting reach out to your local bank, they are usually willing to help go over your financial needs to help prepare you for the future. 
• Check out local community events that are free or cost very little to attend. 
• Use cash where you can, actually seeing the money deplete from your wallet makes it easier to say no to the extras we may be attempted to buy. 
• Pay yourself first. This does not have to be a lot, but allowing yourself an extra $10 a paycheck you feel as if you are allowed to 'spoil' yourself. This can be used for anything, a coffee that you would normally pass up or a new movie to watch, it doesn’t really matter what you decide to spoil yourself with, as long as you remember to do it and not regret it. 
• Don't allow a lack of spending money keep you locked away at home, making it easier for your mind to run. Go to a park for a picnic lunch, or go on a hike and explore something new.