Choosing an activity that you enjoy may help increase your chances of sticking to it in the long term. This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. View physical activity and weight-management resources to help you get and stay motivated. A nurse may help with your treatment and teach you about monitoring and treating kidney disease, as well as managing your health conditions.

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In most cases, stress is caused by external events, while anxiety is caused by your internal reaction to stress. Stress may go away once the threat or the situation resolves, whereas anxiety may persist even after the original stressor is gone. So, if you are facing a stressful life event or you’ve undergone a major change, try planning ahead.

Emotion-Focused Coping Style

Our thresholds for how much stress we can endure differ from one person to the next. Saying yes may seem like an easy way to keep the peace, prevent conflicts and get the job done right. But instead, it may cause you inner conflict healthy ways to cope with stress because your needs and those of your family come second. Putting yourself second can lead to stress, anger, resentment and even the wish to take revenge. Eating a healthy diet is an important part of taking care of yourself.

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Some of the main sources of stress include work, finances, relationships, parenting, and day-to-day inconveniences. Go out for a coffee with a friend, chat with a neighbor, call a family member, visit with a clergy member, or even hang out with your pet. Clinical studies show that spending even a short time with a companion animal can cut anxiety levels almost in half. Do you enjoy gardening, reading, listening to music or some other creative pursuit? Engage in activities that bring you pleasure and joy; research shows that reduces stress by almost half and lowers your heart rate, too. «Find three positive things for one negative or stressful thought,» Dr. Ramchandani suggests.

Most adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. You might want to do it all, but you can’t, at least not without paying a price. Learning to say no or being willing to delegate can help you manage your to-do list and your stress. Consider spending less time worrying and stressing over your limited social circle and finding ways to connect with others. For example, if the news gives you anxiety, take breaks from social media or limit your consumption to only a few times a day or week.

• Manage your time and prioritize your tasks and commitments.
• Sometimes the case with stressful situations is that you’re trying to find a problem or a connection when there isn’t one.
• «Loud noise triggers the stress response,» Dr. Ramchandani notes.
• The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends including a rainbow of fruits and veggies in your diet.
• Consuming too much may worsen anxiety, according to a 2021 review of literature on the subject.

Make Time for Leisure Activities

One study of 101 adults found that people who chewed gum during work had a lower stress response. So, think about whether the stress is a buildup or related to a more long-term issue. If it’s unrelated to anything, maybe it’s a sign your mind and body need a break. Facing stress is an opportunity to reset your mind and take it as a chance to grow.

Get enough sleep

• Receive FREE up-to-date information on how to manage your stress and live a content life.
• Understanding how they differ can help you determine the best coping strategy for you.
• Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.
• The activities we do with friends can help us relax and relieve stress.