Hey there! Shannon here, and if you’re reading this, you probably know a thing or two about stress. I mean, who doesn’t? Between work, family, and the endless stream of news and social media, it’s no wonder we often feel like we’re spinning in circles. So, let’s get real about what stress is, why it’s not all bad, and one simple way to reduce it.
First off, let’s get rid of the idea that we can (or should!) completely eliminate stress. There’s actually no such thing! Our bodies are designed to handle stress, and believe it or not, some stress can even be good for us. This “good stress,” or eustress, is what pushes us to tackle challenges, learn new things, and reach our goals. Ever had that little adrenaline rush before a big presentation or event? That’s eustress doing its thing!
But the kind of stress that we don’t want hanging around is the chronic type—the kind that shows up uninvited, sticks around too long, and eventually wears us down. Chronic stress can mess with everything from our sleep to our relationships to our health. That’s why, instead of trying to eliminate stress altogether, we’re better off learning ways to manage it and reduce its impact.
So, How Do We Do That?
There are tons of ways to handle stress, but here’s one of my favorite tools that’s simple and super effective: evaluate your relationships. Now, before you start rolling your eyes, hear me out! Relationships have a HUGE impact on how we feel day-to-day. Some relationships lift us up, give us energy, and make us feel supported, while others can feel more like dead weight, dragging us down and leaving us stressed out.
Here’s How to Evaluate Your Relationships:
- Identify the Uplifters: Who makes you feel good? These are the people who energize you, make you laugh, and support you when things get tough. Hold onto these people—they’re gold!
- Set Boundaries with Drainers: Not every relationship is easy, and that’s okay. Some people may require a little distance, a bit more patience, or stronger boundaries. These are the relationships you might “love from a distance” to keep yourself balanced.
- Let Go if Needed: And hey, sometimes it’s just best to let go. If a relationship is causing more stress than joy and it’s taking a toll on you, it might be time to walk away and send love from a distance.
By evaluating relationships, we’re not just reducing stress; we’re making space for more joy, energy, and peace in our lives. It’s amazing what a difference this one tool can make!
Want More Ways to Manage Stress?
This is just one of the five tools I cover in my free Top 5 Ways to Reduce Stress workbook. Inside, I’ll walk you through practical, down-to-earth activities to help you feel more calm and in control every day. Think of it as a toolkit to use whenever you feel life getting a bit too heavy.
Grab your free copy here stressreductiontools.com and take a step toward living with less stress and more balance. Remember, it’s all about making small, manageable changes that add up to a happier, healthier you.
Here’s to finding your calm!
