How to deal with stress without hitting a wall (or a bar)

These are all ways that stress can affect you mental health. A body of scientific research shows that long-term chronic stress is also terrible for physical health. Sorry for being dramatic and all, but stress can kill you. “(Prolonged stress can) contribute to physical problems like heart problems, weight gain, or sleep disorders like insomnia,” says Fierheller.

Okay, you’ve had your wake-up call. Now the main question is: what is the best way to deal with stress?

How to prepare in advance for stressful times

Resentment really can be your best defense when it comes to dealing with stress. Psychotherapist Chase Cassin, LCSW, says that one of the best ways to prevent stress is to sleep well. Does not get enough sleep causes the body to produce more cortisol. Of course, feeling stressed can make it difficult to sleep, and that’s where the tips in the next section come in.

Cassin says eating a balanced diet also makes it easier to deal with anxiety-provoking events when they happen. This is because Eating mostly ultra-processed food can cause inflammationwhich can contribute to feelings of anxiety by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain (mainly lowering serotonin and increasing cortisol).

Maintaining a solid support system is also key to preparing for tough times, Kassin says. Book these guys’ nights out, don’t ignore your friends when they text you, and maybe even consider joining that group you’ve been hearing about. “Connect with your friends to connect with them in real life and develop those interpersonal connections,” Cassin says.

Tevez says it’s important to regularly do at least one thing every day that brings you joy. This is not just empty advice; he says it helps build resilience. Whatever your happy place is: going for a long run, reading aloud to your child, cooking dinner with your partner, binge watching crazy– find time for it.

What to do when stress overcomes you

Having habits that make it easier to deal with anxiety-provoking circumstances is helpful, but you still need a game plan when you’re feeling overwhelmed or on edge. First, it might help to take a breath—or even a few.