If you’ve read the previous posts in this blog series, you would have some understanding of why you feel stressed in various situations and the impact it has on your body. But knowing that is only part of the solution; how do you work on managing that stress and mitigating it? This post discusses four practical tips that may sound simple enough, but have a visible effect when implemented and followed religiously. Give them a try and we’re sure you will be thankful you did.

Tip #1 – Introduce Exercise

The importance of daily exercise cannot be stressed enough. This could take any form – a light jog, run, yoga, cycling, sports, etc. The activity you choose doesn’t matter as long as you enjoy doing it, and it really moves your body. To derive maximum benefit from it and see a marked change in your lifestyle, ensure you exercise consistently on a daily basis. It is scientifically proven that the release of hormones to relieve stress happens only when there is adequate physical movement.

Tip #2 – Get Organised

We’ve all had situations where we’re left searching in the last minute for important items which got misplaced. In money matters as well, many of us are not aware of our finances and where money is actually getting spent. These are signs of being disorganised, which can add stress to your life.

The smart way to go about changing this is by starting with small areas of improvement. This could mean organising things in your immediate vicinity – your computer desktop, the table you’re working on currently, or a bookshelf next to you. Once you get that small area organised, you will experience a degree of calmness, and a degree of control which helps you get on with bigger tasks.

Tip #3 – Start Meditating

Studies have shown how meditation has an immense impact on stress and our ability to overcome it. While this may not happen overnight and may seem like a long-term change, it is one of the most effective ways to deal with stress. In this era of countless notifications and devices that demand our attention, we may find it difficult to focus. Our mind keeps shifting between different things.

Meditation helps you bring back focus and takes away the distracting thoughts. Start with just 10 minutes a day, and work from there. All you have to do is sit quietly and pay attention to your thoughts. There are several apps like Calm and Headspace that can guide and help you with this journey.

Tip #4 – Eat Well

This is a highly underrated tip when it comes to stress management. We’re not talking about eating full, but eating well, which is to say nutritious food. That’s an important distinction to keep in mind. Give thought to what you’re feeding your system – does it have adequate vitamins, minerals, protein, omege-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients.

Why is this so important? Let’s take the case of Omege-3 fatty acids. They are associated with better cognitive functioning, better quality sleep, and can influence how you deal with stress. When you give your body the input it needs, you begin to notice that you’re dealing with high-pressure situations very differently.

What Else Can You Do?

Apart from the four tips covered here, there’s one other important takeaway for you. It comes from Jocko Willink, a decorated retired Navy SEAL who now runs a podcast. His advice is to deal with every situation that you are in control of as if you’re going into battle. There’s no point in fretting about things which are not in your control; forget about them, there’s not much you can do.

But if you are in control of something, take charge of it. Show up strong like a warrior and always be prepared. You’ll see that you handle stress very differently when you approach life with this mindset. Try it from today. That brings us to the end of this blog on stress management with your coach Manoj Radhakrishna.

If you’ve gone through all three posts, you should have a fair idea of what causes stress, how to identify the symptoms, and how to deal with stress effectively. The tips may not seem profound, but put aside the IAKT (I Already Know This) attitude and give them a shot. It’s time to nurture a stress-free version of yourself.