Are you stressed out by your never-ending to-do list? Are you overwhelmed by the demands of your family or work or relationships? Or maybe you’re having a difficult time letting go of old habits, routines, people, and places for a new chapter in your life. 

We can’t completely eliminate stress from our lives, but we can adopt strategies to better manage and reduce our stress. 

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact that stress has on our lives and explore strategies to manage our stress. 

As we begin to reduce stress through daily coping skills, we slowly start to improve the quality of our lives. Our energy levels start to rise, our relationships improve, our concentration becomes sharper, thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve us begin to disappear, and we begin to treat ourselves with kindness. 

Of course, reducing stress doesn’t happen overnight and the impact of stress on mental health cannot be underestimated. 

At Handel Behavioral Health, our trained counselors are here to support you in managing your stress and building resilience in your life. Our counselors utilize a variety of evidence-based techniques, tailored to your unique needs, to address the root causes of your stress and provide effective coping strategies.

Our counselors offer therapy for stress management online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Natick. To start working with a therapist for stress management in Massachusetts, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

To learn 8 effective strategies for reducing stress, please read on!

8 Strategies To Reduce Stress:

Before implementing these stress-reducing strategies into your life, it’s important to understand and identify when stress is causing you difficulties in your life. By recognizing how stress is affecting your life, you can intervene with strategies before it leads to further physical and mental health complications. 

If you’re struggling to identify when, why, and how stress impacts your life, ask for professional help from one of our trained therapists. It’s important to get help as soon as possible so you can begin to live the life you deserve.

1. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to combat stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Exercise gives you a natural mood boost and improves your focus and motivation.

2. Eat nutritious foods: Certain healthy foods can improve your mood, balance hormones and boost energy levels. Eat mineral and vitamin-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and omega-3 fatty foods. Aim to drink plenty of water, at least eight 12 once glasses of water daily, to maintain energy levels. 

3. Prioritize restful sleep: Sleep deprivation can severely worsen the symptoms of stress. It’s vital to get adequate rest for dealing with stress, burn-out, and worry. Sleeping well will improve your mood, energy levels, concentration, and motivation. 

4. Maintain a routine: When areas of our lives seem unmanageable, it’s important to focus on what you can control. Routines give us a sense of control and help us build resilience. Sticking to a daily pattern of sleeping, eating, exercising, and spending time with friends within reason can help reduce the effects of stress. 

5. Spend time outdoors: Being outdoors, exposed to sunlight and fresh air can boost and strengthen your immune system, improve your mood, and reduce anxiety. Try to make time everyday to get outside, even if only for a few minutes. 

6. Spend time with friends and family: Connecting with people we care about can be an extremely helpful way to reduce stress. People close to you may offer their listening ear and sound advice if you want to discuss the stressful aspects of your life. You may also find that spending time with people gets you out of your head, where your stress may reside.

7. Speak kindly to yourself: It can be difficult to speak kindly and gently to ourselves when we’re stressed and burnt out. In moments of overwhelm, try to remind yourself that it’s not your fault and that you are enough. 

8. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, at any time. You can practice mindfulness by observing everyday experiences, like the air moving past you as you walk, the sounds of the room, the taste and texture of food you eat, or the feeling of sunlight on your skin. You can practice mindfulness by noticing your thoughts, and observing yourself letting them go. You can also practice mindfulness with deep breathing and meditation. All practices of mindfulness can help reduce physical and mental stress and foster relaxation.

Start Working with a Therapist for Stress Management in Massachusetts:

At Handel Behavioral Health, our trained counselors specialize in these stress management techniques and many more. We understand that everyone’s experience with stress is different, and we’re here to meet you exactly where you’re at with personalized care and support. 

If you’re looking for stress management therapy online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, or Natick, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

About The Author