We are living in stressful times. We still are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. An unjust war rages in the Ukraine. We’re hearing news of monkeypox spreading across the globe. Inflation is a concern for many. Gas prices are on the rise. Food costs are going up. Women’s reproductive healthcare is being attacked. All of these things, in addition to our everyday stressors of work and family life, can mean we are feeling an increase in stress.

I have heard people talking recently about how to avoid stress and find myself thinking that stress is largely unavoidable. Many of us encounter some measure of stress on a near daily basis. The question is, what can you do to manage stress? Stress is different than anxiety. Stress is most often caused by an external trigger such as a work deadline, the goings-on in the world, financial concerns or relationship troubles. Anxiety involves internal triggers that include some measure of trepidation or worry. Both stress and anxiety can result in physical sensations, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, trouble focusing, muscle soreness or tension and irritability.

Both stress and anxiety can be managed by practicing healthy coping skills. Stress, to some extent, can be controlled by how we choose to react to it. We as humans have the power to choose how we are going to react to any given situation.

We can choose to look at stress as something that can be managed or we can choose to look at stress as an insurmountable obstacle. How we choose to respond to stress ultimately can affect not just our physical health but our mental health, as well.

What are some ways to manage stress? Practicing healthy coping skills such as exercise, meditation, listening to music, reading, watching a movie or television show all can help manage stress. Talk it out with a trusted other. Turning to alcohol, marijuana or other substances ultimately likely will cause more harm in the long run as doing so often runs counter to our values, leading to more stress and anxiety. Should you find that your stress turns to anxiety and becomes overwhelming, it might be time to turn to a mental health professional. Doing so does not mean that you are weak or somehow inept. It takes more courage to ask for help than it does to suffer in silence.

Here are some other ways to manage stress:

• Talk to someone you trust.
• Set boundaries and say “no”
• Write a note to someone you care about.
• Be assertive.
• Use humor.
• Spend time with friends and/or family.
• Serve someone in need.
• Care for or play with a pet.

Remember, you can choose how you respond to stress by pausing in the moment and noticing what you are feeling. It is perfectly acceptable to take a minute to decide how you want to respond to any given situation that you notice is leaving you feeling stressed. What do you need in that moment to manage your stress? Do you need to go for a walk around the block? Do you need to go listen to your favorite song for a few minutes? Do you need to go for a run? Whatever you need to do so manage stress in a healthy way is okay.

How are you choosing to respond to the stressors in your life? Can you give yourself permission to step back for a moment and decide what your next steps are? Can you take steps now to manage stress in your life so that it does not become anxiety? What can you do today to manage your stress?