You’ve probably heard the phrase “life happens” before, and when it’s used if you can recall, it’s typically used in a negative light, isn’t it? For the most part, yes. The phrase “life happens,” is usually used in reference to stressful situations… It’s almost used as an excuse as to why bad things happen.
Unfortunately, stress is something that can’t completely be avoided. We all experience stress in our everyday lives and with certain life events. But the key to success here is that by knowing we can’t avoid stress altogether, the best thing we can do is effectively manage it.
In managing stress, there are ways to go about it that are considered the right way, and then there are ways that people handle the stress that’s considered the wrong way… It’s those wrong ways that tend to be our go-to’s, like consuming alcohol.
While there’s nothing wrong with unwinding with the occasional drink after a long day at work, experts have reason to believe that alcohol and its effects can indeed do the opposite of what most people intend it to do, which is to relax, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Especially during times of stress.
Many people in the UK are using CBD products to ease their anxiety. Scientists at Washington State University published a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders that found that cannabis can significantly reduce self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in the short term. Therefore, in the USA it’s becoming increasingly common for people to seek out the best THC edibles.
The good news is that even though stress is something no one can avoid, it’s is something that can be properly managed. In order to properly manage the stress you’re experiencing, you have to get to the root cause of what’s causing it. When you can do this, it will allow you to bring balance back into your life.
From life events to day-to-day occurrences, here are some of the biggest causes of stress in your life and tips on how to manage and cope with that stress.
Finances/Monthly Bills
Just like stress can’t be avoided, neither can your monthly bills. But the good news is that by getting a handle on your monthly bills, you can, in turn, reduce your stress levels.
Your mortgage or rent is something that you can’t change but every other bill is fairly negotiable. The next most expensive bill you have is going to be your electric bill. With that, most people feel like they’re stuck with their current electric company, and that may very well be the case but that doesn’t mean you can’t look into other electricity options.
Many people have asked about how community solar works in New York because that same option may be available in their area. But this is an electricity option that reduces your electric bill and your carbon footprint on the environment.
The other areas where you can potentially reduce your monthly expenses are in the following areas:
- Cell phone
- Internet
- Monthly memberships you’re not using
- Groceries
- Car insurance
The above areas are typical monthly expenses people have but they’re also areas that you can “shop around” in to see if you can find better, more affordable deals.
Death of a Loved One
The death of a loved one is not only a very stressful life event to endure but it’s also a very peculiar one because it’s a stress that people handle in very different ways and with very different feelings and emotions. In losing someone you care deeply about, you can experience feelings of sadness and anger; some people even experience feelings of guilt and total shock.
During times of loss, it’s extremely important that you take care of yourself. Some people feel that they need to stay to themselves, and time alone is indeed healthy, but not too much time alone. Healing often comes from sharing your grief with others who have also experienced the same type of grief you’re experiencing.
It’s important to know that your healing won’t come overnight, and it may not come in a year… In fact, it’s been said that when you lose a loved one, you never fully recover because there will always be that hole your loved one filled. But time will help heal your grief and each day you’ll be able to move forward with your life while keeping the memories of your loved ones alive within yourself.
Work Stress
Work stress is the most common type of stress and it’s the stress you’ll experience almost every day, if not every day. Stress from work is common because it’s the source of your livelihood, meaning, you have a lot riding on your ability to maintain your job.
All too often, people like to make comments that in their job all they do is to come in, do their job, and go home… If only it were that easy. The thing about work stress is that it rarely allows you to just come in, do your job, and go home. In fact, the stress you experience at work oftentimes follows you back home and can affect your home environment as well.
Work stress typically is the result of not using your time efficiently. Consider prioritizing your daily work tasks; delegate some of them if you can. If your boss is coming down on you about certain things, talk to them about your workload to see if there’s something that can be done to help you. If you feel hesitant to speak to your boss, you’re not alone – a study by Development Academy showed over half (55%) of people say they’ve missed work opportunities by not being assertive enough.
In most cases, your boss wants you to succeed in your position because your performance is a reflection of their leadership. The areas you’re slipping in could be because you’re missing a step that you didn’t know about… Just as communication is important in personal relationships, it’s just as important in work relationships, especially for the betterment of your job performance.
