Healthy Ways to Manage Stress
Everyone experiences different types and levels of stress. There’s exciting stress when you’re looking forward to doing something, like performing music in front of other people or running in a race. There’s everyday stress of just trying to get things done on a daily basis, like getting to work on time and cooking a healthy dinner that your child will eat. There’s also upsetting stress, like when you’re struggling and things aren’t going your way.
You have lots of choices about managing all types of stress in healthy ways. Choosing skills to practice, and practicing them consistently, leads to life-long habits for taking good care of yourself. Some are easy, and others take more effort. They’re all worth it, because healthy coping skills make all parts of your life better.
Stress Impacts Your Whole Health
Stress impacts your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. Some ways to improve these areas include:
- Being active, like through exercise, cuddling, or dancing.
- Talking to a therapist or a trusted friend about your situation.
- Meeting new people you have things in common with, or reconnecting with old friends or family members. (If you don't have an account yet, create one and join our community of young parents!)
- Connecting through religion, meditation, writing, or making art.
Start by picking things you like to do with supportive people who can help. As much as possible, eat healthy food, get enough sleep, move around, and maintain healthy relationships.
Developing New, Healthy Habits
If you’re used to reacting to stress in unhelpful ways, these habits can be hard to change. Be honest with yourself about unhealthy habits can help you to face them, then decide what you want to do. You could make a plan, get support from people you trust, and start practicing healthy coping skills. YUP! has lots of resources for people who are having a hard time, and many videos from others who’ve been through it.
