At some point in our lives, we find ourselves overloaded and struggling to cope with demands. These demands can be related to work, health, finances, relationships, and other situations. Anything that creates a real or perceived threat or challenge to our well-being can cause us stress and anxiety.

Some forms of stress are needed for our survival and motivate us to take necessary actions. The ‘fight or flight’ mechanism prompts us to respond to dangers that we perceive. However, if this mechanism happens often or too easily, or when there are too many stressors, it can impair our mental and physical health, as well as our relationships.

Fortunately, there are some effective stress management strategies that we can use for stress and anxiety:

1. Know Where You Are Going 

We spend our lives planning for our careers, our dream homes, vacations, and other items that we believe will make us happy.

As we work hard for those goals, we may allow stress and demands to get the best of us and we may forget to reflect on areas that really matter, such as our well-being, family, and friends. Consequently, this can result in poor health or broken relationships.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

When you are confronted with life stressors, it is important to pause and breathe. When we are still, we stop negative momentum, clear our minds, put things into perspective, and start identifying solutions and goals to work towards that would truly make us happy.

Write a one-page plan that outlines where you want to be and how you see yourself in the future.

2. Learn Your Priorities

Once you know where you are headed, your priorities become clear.

Establishing priorities is an effective stress management strategy because it helps you to focus on the larger picture, rather than getting bogged down by challenges that may come up along the journey. Your priorities are there to support the goals you have set for yourself.

3. Manage the Big Stuff

The ‘big stuff’ is the essential items that need your time and attention if you wish to become successful.  Identifying the ‘big stuff’ is the key to getting things done. Focus on them first, and the rest will follow.

4. Establish a Daily Routine

Having an effective daily routine helps to start your day off on the right track and helps you to stay focused throughout the day. Your morning routine might include saying a prayer or wish for yourself and others, identifying five things you are grateful for, reading your goals out loud, and visualizing your goals and how you want your day to go. In your routine, also include times for breaks and exercise so that you can recharge and refocus.

A coach can help you to manage the stressors in your business and life by helping you to clearly establish where you are heading, your priorities, and by creating an effective plan of action.