How to Cope in Times of Stress

We all deal with stress in our day to day lives. But sometimes, something will come along that's out of our hands. At times like this, it's easy to feel totally powerless with no end in sight. Try to focus on the small steps you can take to make you feel more positive in control. I've come up with five pointers for how to cope in times of stress. Remember that they might not all work for you, but if even one tip helps then that's great!

1. Educate yourself.
   We all know that knowledge is power. But knowledge can also help you rationalise difficult situations and feel more in control. The information is no longer coming at you, you're welcoming it in. Make sure that you source your information from credible sources, as misinformation will only make things worse. Why not talk to someone who's been through the same experience as you to get their perspective?

2. Take one small action.
   When things seem so much bigger than ourselves, it's easy to feel completely powerless. Sure, you might not be able to solve the issue entirely by yourself, but you don't have to! Instead, try and find one small action that you can take to improve the situation. Maybe that's educating others in an accessible way. Or perhaps it's fundraising for and donating to a relevant charity.

3. Be respectful of others and their experience.
   Everyone copes with stressful situations differently, so make sure you're sensitive to their experiences. Even if they're not going through the same thing as you, your words could trigger a traumatic memory for them. While it is important to speak about the things that matter most to you, remember to consider others when you do so.

4. Know when to step away.
   Stressful events can take a huge mental and physical toll on us, something that's so easy to forget. It might not always be possible, but try and recognise when you've taken in as much as you can and step away. This might mean turning off the news or doing something totally different to take your mind off things. Whatever you do, don't feel guilty for disengaging. Know that you've done your best and will reengage when you're ready.

5. Look after yourself.
   It's all too easy to say "I'm fine, it's so much worse for them", but remember that another person's negative experience doesn't devalue your own. Everyone reacts to things differently and all are equally deserving of care. Look after yourself and know that you can't look after others until your better. Always try to care for others but remember that your mental and physical wellbeing should always be your top priority.

Hopefully, these tips will help you feel a little bit less overwhelmed. Remember to reach out to loved one when you're struggling because a problem shared is a problem halved.