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Maintaining Your Motivation When Times Are Rough

Stress management is an important tool in all aspects of life, especially when times are tough. Although stress might not be a problem right now, everyone has times in their life when things do not go the way they want them to. Stress management can help to make these times more bearable, and to help you keep your motivation.

What is stress?

Stress is the damage or wear and tear that our bodies experience as our environment changes around us. Stress has both physical and emotional effects on us, and can be both positive and negative. Small amounts of stress can help us to focus and motivate ourselves to be better. However, large or prolonged stress can have serious emotional and physical consequences, and can even contribute to an early death. That is why stress management is so important. Everyone has stress in their lives, but if you can manage your stress levels and be prepared for stressful times, then you will be more productive, healthy, and happy. Here are some stress management techniques that can help you to keep your motivation when times are tough:

Become aware of your stressors

Stress management starts with knowing when you are stressed, and how this affects your mind and body. When you are stressed, acknowledge and notice it rather than ignoring it. Ignoring your problems will not make them go away, and so you need to face what stresses you. If you can find out which events or situations are the most stressful for you, then you can try and limit your exposure to them, or be more prepared when you have to face them. If you can find out what stresses you and how it affects you, then you will already feel less stress.

Recognize what you can change

Once you know what stresses you, then you need to look at what you can change to reduce this stress. If you can eliminate or significantly reduce the events or situations that stress you, then great. However, it is unlikely that you will always be able to avoid these stressful situations. Instead, try and reduce their intensity and frequency. If you have to face these stressful events, try and manage them over a longer period of time, or take breaks during the events to take stock and reduce your immediate stress levels. Although this stress management technique can require a significant commitment of time and effort, if it will help to reduce your stress levels then it is worthwhile.

Reduce your emotional reaction to stress

One of the first steps to better stress management is to reduce your emotional reaction to stress. Often, we are more stressed than we need to be because of our emotional reactions to stress. Stress reactions are caused by our perception of danger, whether it is physical or emotional danger. If you look at the situation more closely, you might see that you are exaggerating the danger it poses to you. If you can stop yourself overreacting to situations and view them more rationally, then your stress levels will reduce. Remember, many situations are only stressful because we make them that way. If you try and curb your emotional responses, and remain moderate in your views, then your stress levels will be reduced. This is especially important when times are tough, as you need to face the challenges that are posed with a clear and rational mind.

Reduce your physical reaction to stress

As well as using stress management to reduce your emotional reaction to stress, it can be used to reduce your physical reactions as well. Simple techniques like slow and deep breathing can help to bring your heart rate down, and ease your tensions. Try and devote time each day for relaxation, as this will help to ease the physical tensions you feel. If you find this hard, then your doctor can possibly describe medication to help you. However, medication is not a long-term solution, and you need to find ways to reduce your physical reactions to stress through relaxation. The better you know your body, the easier it will be to reduce physical reactions to stress and to keep up your levels of motivation.

Be physically prepared

Although you might not be able to always avoid stress, you can use stress management techniques to be physically prepared for stress when it comes. If you exercise regularly, you will help to ease physical tension and your body will be better equipped for dealing with stress. Exercise such as swimming or cycling a number of times a week is best for you. In addition to this, you should eat a well-balanced diet, with regular meals, which will help you to maintain a healthy weight. Avoiding stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine can also help. If you eat well, and give yourself time for leisure activities, then your body will be much better equipped for stress management when you need it most.

Be mentally prepared

As well as being physically prepared for stress, you can also be mentally prepared. The support of friends and family, and healthy and meaningful relationships are very beneficial in helping you prepare for stress. Having people you can depend on during the tough times will give you comfort and help you move through past these problems. If you realise that you cannot always be on top and cannot always be perfect, then stress will be less of a shock to you. Perhaps the most important way to be prepared for stress is to be a friend to yourself. That way, you know you can always count on yourself to pull you through the bad times.

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