7 tips to help you de-stress

Peace of mind. It is not always easy to come by in today’s fast-paced, technologically advanced world. Marie Mauter, a licensed clinical social worker and an employee assistance program counselor at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill., offers seven tips to help manage the stressors in your life:

• Set limits on smartphone usage

Electronics are a big challenge to managing our peace of mind. They can distract us and often have us feeling that we are supposed to be connected “24-7.” It is very important to set limits on smartphone usage, including checking various social media sites, emails and text messages. When possible, try limiting usage to set times throughout the day, and make sure you set aside specific times when they are off-limits, whether at the dinner table or during “family time.”

• Keep electronics out of the bedroom

Keep electronic use out of the bedroom at night or when it is close to bedtime. This will help lessen the impact of the light from the phone on melatonin production. Not enough melatonin can negatively affect sleep patterns.

• Try to enforce self-care rituals every day. 

When we get busy, we sometimes put our needs on the back burner. This can lead to pent up anxiety and leave us stressed and feeling unsatisfied. Try to stick to healthy routines as much as possible including eating healthy, exercising regularly and getting consistent sleep.

• Be aware of negative messages you may be giving yourself. 

We cannot always change situations, but we can have an impact on our reactions to them.

• Don’t be a perfectionist.

 Try not to be hard on yourself when mistakes are made. After all, we are human.

• Reach out for support from positive people in your life. 

Sometimes we tend to isolate ourselves when we are busy or going through a difficult time. Being around positive people can bring positive energy to any situation.

• Try to accept and embrace stress. 

Look at a difficult issue that comes your way as a positive challenge that will make you stronger. Changing your mindset will help you and your peace of mind.

If you are feeling consistently anxious and your anxiety is interfering with your day-to-day activities, reach out to your primary care physician or a mental health professional.