Everyone experiences some level of stress in their lives. A little bit of stress can be a good motivator to keep moving and pushing forward. It can help people to feel more productive and driven. However, too much stress can lead to reduced productivity and have a negative impact on health. In an effort to cope with this pressure, some people turn to drugs or alcohol. They may feel that it helps them to unwind or forget about their problems. But this is just a temporary fix and can spiral into addiction which can in turn increase stress even more.
Being proactive and implementing strategies to decrease and manage stress before it becomes overwhelming can help reduce risk of addiction. For those in recovery, managing stress is an essential part of relapse prevention. Once you know what your triggers are and what causes the most stress in your life, you can start making positive changes.
- Know your limits. Before you agree to take on another project or task, know what you can realistically handle. If you are already feeling overwhelmed and pushing deadlines, don’t be afraid to say no or ask for help. Achieving a better balance can help to reduce stress by making you feel more confident in handling daily activities.
- Determine what must be done, what is negotiable, and what can wait. Time management and organization can lead to better planning and distribution of your time. Get the essentials done and then start checking other things off of your list. Learn to delegate tasks that others can effectively handle and don’t feel that you have to do everything yourself.
- Change your perspective. You can choose to focus on the negative or to look for the positive. There are two sides to every situation. Look at the big picture and whether the situation is worth getting upset over or is something you can accept and move on from. Be realistic and recognize what is within your control and what is beyond your control. Focus on the things that you can change rather than those you cannot.
- Stay active. Make time to do things you enjoy and stay active. Exercise can help to reduce stress, ease tension, and naturally boost your mood. Engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy can help you to relax and redirect your attention.
- Share your feelings. If you are feeling stressed out, upset, frustrated, or angry, talk it out or write it down. The more you keep to yourself and keep your feelings bottled up, the greater toll it can take on your mental wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to turn to others for guidance or support.
These are just a few strategies that can help you to better manage stress in your life and reduce the temptation to turn to drugs or alcohol for relief. If you are struggling with addiction and are ready to make a positive change in your life, help is available through drug and alcohol rehab centers such as Chapters Capistrano. Start a new chapter in your life and learn more effective ways of coping with stress and challenging situations. Take the time to focus on your health and wellbeing through recovery from addiction by calling Chapters Capistrano today at 949-276-2886.
