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How do I stop stressing out so much?
I keep stressing over the little things and overthinking.
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Rushita’s Answer
Hello! I know how tough it feels! But remember, it's essential to actively combat these feelings. I've been in your shoes and understand how overwhelming it can be to feel this way constantly. However, I've found that changing a few habits has made a world of difference for me. I've started practicing yoga and meditation, which provides a peaceful escape from the chaos for an hour each day. Engaging in physical exercise also helps my brain shift its focus. As someone who loves to organize, jotting down my thoughts, plans, and tasks has been a great way to prevent overthinking. I even write down my strategies for achieving goals and potential obstacles that might come in the way. Lastly, I dedicate 10 minutes before bedtime to ponder over my stressors and try to dissect them into more manageable parts. This way, when I feel stressed the next day, I recall the logical breakdown from the night before, which immediately calms me down. I hope some of these tips help!
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
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Thomas’s Answer
I'm probably not the greatest person to be answering this because I am notorious for stressing myself out on purpose because I like the outcome of seeing my work onstage. However, I would say to do lists are SO important. I have a calendar with everything that I HAVE to do today (like classes, meetings, rehearsals, group activities, projects, work or tours). I also have daily to do lists of stuff I SHOULD do if I have the time (like study a little, read a few pages of my book, or clean up a little). Prioritize the important things first, but set a goal to do at least one thing on the "I Should do if time" list.
A big wake up call I had was through college and that is this: stress out and worry or not, the work still needs to get done. Because of this mentality, I tend to start the easiest thing on my to do list first that can get done quickly. This motivates me to work more and do the harder stuff. Bigger still, take breaks. I used to work on something (however big or small that something was) from 9:30/ 10am all the way to midnight with no real break except for food (which I would normally continue working as I ate). This is EXTREMELY unhealthy. Just because you have stuff to do doesn't mean you don't take care of yourself. Work in time to journal, read a book, go on a walk, hang out with friends. Do something not related to the work you have to do. I also started setting a time every day to stop anything work related entirely no matter where you are with it (unless the deadline is early the next day or at the known all to well 11:59.
Also breath. Just breath. Slow breathing and paying attention to your breath can really help calm you down. I like to do what I call the 5, 10, 5 drill. This is where you breath in for 5 count, hold for 10 count, and exhale for 5 count. I do this before performances, public speaking, or any important meeting or rehearsal. There's a reason why meditation is important to religions- it WORKS.
A big wake up call I had was through college and that is this: stress out and worry or not, the work still needs to get done. Because of this mentality, I tend to start the easiest thing on my to do list first that can get done quickly. This motivates me to work more and do the harder stuff. Bigger still, take breaks. I used to work on something (however big or small that something was) from 9:30/ 10am all the way to midnight with no real break except for food (which I would normally continue working as I ate). This is EXTREMELY unhealthy. Just because you have stuff to do doesn't mean you don't take care of yourself. Work in time to journal, read a book, go on a walk, hang out with friends. Do something not related to the work you have to do. I also started setting a time every day to stop anything work related entirely no matter where you are with it (unless the deadline is early the next day or at the known all to well 11:59.
Also breath. Just breath. Slow breathing and paying attention to your breath can really help calm you down. I like to do what I call the 5, 10, 5 drill. This is where you breath in for 5 count, hold for 10 count, and exhale for 5 count. I do this before performances, public speaking, or any important meeting or rehearsal. There's a reason why meditation is important to religions- it WORKS.
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Good for you asking the question. Some simple ideas are whenever you are feeling stressed, take some deep breaths and think about something pleasant -- the beach, the sunset or anything that makes you happy. If you can, go for a short walk and think only pleasant thoughts.
Remind yourself that you are an amazing person and there is no one else just like you. Focus on the positives in your life and dream about how wonderful your future will be.
With every good wish.
Remind yourself that you are an amazing person and there is no one else just like you. Focus on the positives in your life and dream about how wonderful your future will be.
With every good wish.
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
Many of us, myself included, often find ourselves stressed and overwhelmed with thoughts. However, I've discovered some strategies that can help with managing these feelings. As Jacob pointed out, one crucial thing to keep in mind is the recognition that not everything is within our control. What we can control includes our thoughts, actions, goals, boundaries, our reactions to others, where and what we invest our energy in, and the way we communicate with ourselves. On the other hand, things beyond our control include the future, events around us, others' perceptions of us, and their opinions. Once you grasp what lies within your control, you'll understand that it's futile to stress or worry about things beyond your reach. Essentially, you'd be misdirecting your energy when you could channel it towards something else. Another effective strategy is to engage in deep breathing exercises and grounding techniques. These can soothe your heart rate and provide a clearer perspective. During periods of high stress, we often jump to the worst possible conclusion, and it's important to remind ourselves that these are mere thoughts and not the likely reality. So, give these grounding techniques a go, distinguish between thoughts and reality, and remember to pause and recharge when you feel overwhelmed.
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Linda’s Answer
I have so many people in my life who struggle with agonizing stress over little things and the number is growing. I learned early in life, because I am a control freak, that things will go wrong, it will rain, you will forget something important, money will sometimes be short, you will run out of gas and have a flat tire and can't find your cell phone and countless other soul draining happenstances and there is not a darn thing you can do about it unless you possess the power to slow the world down. We have such busy full lives . When I am prepared to leave my home for work or the days events I must have phone, charger, handbag, keys, credit cards, my list, and any items I wish to drop off or return etc. etc. and the number is forever growing.. I have learned this, it does not change a single tinne winne eitty bitty thing if I stress or worry about it because the sky is not falling and the world is not coming to an end. What ever happens if things fall apart and they will, some big and some small you pick up the piece and put it back together and you are stronger because you learn you are capable of rebuilding always. Quit stressing and be strong for the world is going to tiffin you up one small thing at a time. You can do it!!!!
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Jacob’s Answer
This is probably one of the toughest things to handle. What you have to first tell yourself is that you can't control everything and can only control your controllables. Prioritize what matters most and tackle those. You'll have to learn to let things go which is good for your mental health. As an individual who is analytical, I'm constantly telling myself I can do it all. Then, I realize throughout the day what is going to be left on the back burner which won't be a massive detriment to my day. Also, it's ok to ask for help on people who are willing to help. You deserve to be happy and shouldn't bring yourself down. You're human, and we all aren't perfect. I also pray which is a game changer in life.
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