Stress is something we all go through, but learning how to detect its origins and find healthy ways to deal with it has helped me cope with life’s challenges. In the beginning, stress seemed to be all I felt, but I became aware that the reasons for my stress were closely related to situations such as deadlines at school or personal expectations. Recognizing these triggers made me feel at ease, and I was able to manage stress before it became unmanageable.
At first, to distract myself from the discomfort, I watched TV or browsed social media for fun. Although these provided a brief escape, they never addressed the underlying cause of my stress. I soon discovered alternative, more beneficial ways to cope, such as creating stronger boundaries, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and practicing mindfulness. Grounding actions, like deep breathing or going for a short walk, were important in helping me stay centered during stressful times.
Exercise has also become an important tool. Whether I’m running or doing yoga, regular physical activity makes me feel good and releases the tension in my body, reinforcing the connection between my mind and body.
Changing my environment was the most valuable lesson I learned. Instead of perceiving stress as a hindrance, I reframed it as a sign that something in my life needs attention. Along with self-compassion, this shift in perspective has been a significant factor in helping me confront stress more effectively.
Even though stress will always be a part of my life, these strategies allow me to handle it better, approaching problems with calm and clarity.