by Gabrielle Schrader

Created on: July 06, 2009

Coping with stress is one of the most difficult things for people to do. Unfortunately coping with stress is not something that comes naturally or easily. Everyone experiences stress on a daily basis, but that doesn't stop it from taking control of people's lives sometimes. There are a few basic things that help people to cope with stress.

1) Understanding that you are not alone and stress does not magically float way

Many times people who become overwhelmed with stress do not see the larger picture. They forget that everyone in this world becomes stressed at some point in their lives. I am often guilty of this. People feel that they are the only ones who feel sad and worried, nervous and anxious. This is just not true. The other common mistake people make is thinking that stress magically floats away. That they can simply get rid of it. No matter how many times someone gets rid of one stressful aspect of their life, there will always be another one. Abolishing stress from someone's life forever is just not possible.

2) Find something to believe in

The people who get stressed and stay stressed do not have something to believe in. For me, it is God. I know that He is with me and will protect me. I know He cares about me and He wants me to give all of my worries to Him. However, for other people, this can be quite different. It doesn't matter particularly what you believe in to help you with stress but you have to believe in something. You have to find a bigger picture. A bigger part of life, of the world.

3) Remember the things that keep you happy

Often times when people are stressed they neglect all of the things that at one time made them so happy. If they love reading or playing basketball, they do less of it without realizing it. It would help get rid of people's stress if they continued to do their favorite activities. It would also help if they increased the frequency and time spent on their favorite activities. They would become happier and the happier you become, the less all of the stress seems to matter and effect you.

4) Exercise and eat healthy

This sounds ridiculous to many people and yet it is so true. Eating healthy gives the body more energy and helps to keep it healthier as well as happier. A healthier body will be better at coping with stress. Eating healthy also gives you more energy for exercising which is a very important aspect of coping with stress. Exercising will help you feel good about your body as well as give you endorphins that will help make you happy. It's almost as if exercising is a drug because of the rush of endorphins received.

If you stick with these four guides, you will not eliminate the stress in your life but you will greatly reduce it.

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