Stress Management

Dr. Rakel Delevi provides in-person therapy out of Pasadena, and online throughout the state of California

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives. There is good stress (eustress) like wedding planning and bad stress (loss of a job) but they can equally tax one's resources. Given that we can't escape it, stress management skills are crucial in navigating our day to day lives. Stress management is designed to help you take control of your lifestyle, thoughts, and emotions and teach you healthy ways to cope with your problems.

Find the Cause

The first step in stress management is identifying your stressors. While this sounds fairly easy—it’s not hard to point to major changes or a lot of work piling up—chronic stress can be complicated, and most people don’t realize how their habits contribute to their stress. Maybe work piling up isn’t from the actual demands of your job, but more so from your procrastination. You have to claim responsibility for the role you play in creating your stress or you won’t be able to control it.

Strategies for Stress Management

Once you’ve found what causes your stress, focus on what you can control. Eliminate the realistic stressors and develop consistent de-stressing habits. For example, instead of watching TV or responding to texts in bed after work , try to take a walk, or read a book. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and a good sleep hygiene will also help you relax.

Also, make a conscious effort to set aside time for yourself and for relaxation. Often, my clients say "I don't have time", but think about all the things you 'make time" for.  If you need to put an 'appointment' with yourself, so be it. Alone time can be whatever you need it to be. Some people like doing activities likeyoga or meditation, but you can also treat yourself to something simple, like taking a bubble bath, listening to music, or watching a movie.

Finally, social support is a key part of stress management. Don’t feel like you have to solve your stress on your own. Reach out to your family and friends. Whether you need help with a problem or just need someone to listen, find a person who will be there to positively reinforce and support you. If stress becomes chronic, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a therapist.