We all have to deal with various stressful events in different parts of our lives, be it job related stress, death of family, end of a relationship or knowing how to cope with financial stress. In addition to possessing the skills that apply to each area, it is also important to possess general stress management skills so you know how to reduce stress effectively in all areas of your life. Here comes 3 easy-to-apply techniques that fit the bill.

1. No more – During those times when you are coping with a stressful event, it is so important that you don’t exacerbate stress by taking on too much. I have a good friend called Rachel who is having to cope with major health problem at the moment and her friend’s partner has left her and she’s turned to Rachel for support. It is placing her under further stress at a time when she least needs it. When you’re already dealing with serious issues like this that demand your full focus, it is imperative that you place your needs first. To avoid exacerbating the stress, just say “no”, politely and firmly, explaining that now is not a good time. After you have dealt with your situation, you’ll be there for others.

2. All or nothing – A very common symptom of stress and anxiety is to think in all or nothing ways whereby sufferers will ascribe either an absolutely good or bad explanation to situations. When confronted with an event, try to avoid assigning an absolutely good or absolutely bad meaning and look for the middle ground instead. Far better is to strive to apply various meanings to each event you are facing as rarely will an event be absolutely black or white and when you think in the many shades that lie in-between, stress will be relieved greatly. If you’re looking for one powerful technique that will show you how to reduce stress quickly, this is it.

3. Wave goodbye – Another habit performed by many people suffering from stressful illnesses to continually rake over events from the past, particularly sad or unpleasant experiences. Replaying unpleasant memories is something I indulged in virtually everyday and all I did was cause myself a lot of pain. I found a Spanish proverb that turned out to be a great help in stopping this harmful brooding while I was learning how to speak Spanish. The phrase is:

Agua que no has de beber déjala correr – If it’s not meant to be then let it go, or literally: Water you don’t have to drink, leave it to flow

Nowadays, I look at all those sad and painful events from the past exactly in this way. If you’re dragging up the past and it’s spoiling the here and now, this brilliant little proverb will help you dump those unhappy times for good. Accept that it’s not meant to be so let it flow past you on a giant wave of water and imagine watching it all float away, gone forever.  

Each of these techniques will help you to deal with a variety of situations, be it workplace stress management, financial issues, the past, moving house, to name just a few. Add each one to your stress relief program and they’ll quickly help you lower your stress levels without a doubt.

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