Three strategies to help mitigate stress

Taking a moment to clear your head can be difficult in the middle of a stressful day, but it is important for your mental health. — dpa

When things get too much, we all have our own ways of dealing with everything.

But not every coping strategy is positive.

Repressing our stress, numbing it with alcohol or binge-eating is unhealthy, a German foundation for health education warns, as these behaviours are harmful in the long run.

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Here are three healthy strategies for coping with stress, but be aware that you will have to practice them over and over.

> Solving problems

An extra task at work that needs to be done the day after tomorrow.

Or the washing machine that suddenly gives out.

If we know the exact cause of stress, we can tackle and solve the problem – a way to minimise stress, according to the foundation.

The best way to do this depends on the issue at hand.

If you struggle with a high workload, you can check whether you could delegate or say no to a task, or consider whether you can organise your time more efficiently.

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In the case of a broken washing machine, for example, you can look for information about repairing it, or ask a friend who knows about electrical appliances.

> Introducing new thoughts

"I have to deliver a perfect result": Thoughts like these are the ideal breeding ground for stress, as placing high demands on ourselves builds up pressure, the health experts warn.

The stress falls away when we identify these thought patterns and replace them with more helpful ones, for example, by acknowledging that we are not perfect and mistakes are simply a part of life.

Or by practising to see difficulties not as threats, but as challenges that can be overcome.

> Rest

Clear your head and let go of the stress – it sounds so simple, but for this to work, you need to take breaks so you can relax.

In acute situations of stress, this might mean going for a jog around the block to cool off, or a short phone call with a good friend.

To deal with stress well in the long term, however, it's a good idea to have some kind of routine, the experts advise.

For example, a hobby or sports practice that you have in your calendar every week, to ensure that you always find relaxation in your day-to-day life. – dpa