Stress is one of the great evils of our time. Although I’m sure people faced stress in the Middle Ages as well, it wasn't until our century that this feeling of overwhelm that causes so many illnesses was given a name. There are many ways to cope with stress, and countless articles have been written to help you remove it from your life. At ActitudFEM, we want to give you something real and grounded, techniques that we can all put into practice to lighten a bit of daily stress. Ready?

1. Share

As in everything, keeping things to yourself is counterproductive. It's one thing to keep someone else's secret and another to carry anger and stress locked in your chest. Tell a friend who is away from the problem, vent to her. Remember that shared sorrows are lighter.

2. Locate the source

The first step in dealing with stress is to find out what causes it. Generally, it’s work-related issues or financial problems. Identify the cause and then ask yourself, what is stressing me out? If we’re talking about work, is it the presentation tomorrow or wanting to make a good impression on your boss? Does it stress you out that this guy you like isn’t talking to you, or the fear of being alone?

3. Breathe

Stress slowly seeps into our system, spreading throughout our bodies, and by the time we realize it, we already have gastritis. The first step is to identify the cause; once you know why you’re stressed, breathe! Take a deep breath, fill your lungs well, and then think again with your brain well-oxygenated.

4. Take a break

If what’s causing you stress is something you can solve at that moment, take a 10-minute break. Step out of the office, take a breath of fresh air, buy yourself some dark chocolate, and then go back to face what you need to do.

5. Not Available

When we are stressed, the phone, WhatsApp, and Messenger increase our stress because we feel that everyone needs us at that moment. If you have a presentation or are going to do something that stresses you out a lot, set yourself to Not Available mode at least 30 minutes before your appointment. We assure you that no one will die because you don’t reply to their WhatsApp immediately.

6. Delegate

Once you identify what’s stressing you out, it will be easier to know what is your responsibility and what isn’t. Reflect on what you can control and focus on that. Let go of what is beyond your control; there’s nothing you can do about it.

7. Priority list

Sometimes we get stressed because pending tasks and responsibilities overwhelm us, and we feel we don’t have enough time to deal with everything. A basic tip to feel less stressed is to make a priority list. Put down what’s immediate, what’s important, what’s necessary, and what’s less relevant, and stick to your list. What do you do to manage stress? See original note. Recommended notes

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