Change Your Habits to Reduce Your Stress

When I was in my twenties, I had a job working at a laboratory, testing anti-corrosion paints. Each weekday evening, I laid out a blouse and jeans to wear for the next work day. The next morning, I left myself so little time to get ready, I’d switch to a wearing a t-shirt instead of the blouse, because I didn’t have time to do up buttons before I had to sprint to the bus stop! Talk about stress!

Now that I’m older, I won’t tolerate starting my day that way. I get up earlier so that I can have a more relaxed morning that doesn’t involve stress. Whew!

Change your habits to reduce your stress.

It’s vital to recognize the role we play in creating stress for ourselves. Once you decide to no longer tolerate a given stressor, clarify what specific changes you need to make to reduce your stress.

“You’re more likely to follow through on behaviour change when you set clear and specific goals versus vague aspirations.” – psychologist Gina Delucca.

When creating a new habit, instead of viewing the change as unfamiliar and difficult, try putting on your curiosity hat. Imagine that you’re trying an experiment with yourself. For example: “Gee, I wonder what my morning would be like if I got up earlier?”. Paint yourself a picture of what the improvements would look like and imagine how much better they would make you feel. Then, decide on the specific behaviours to help set yourself up for success.

“Changing habits is simple, but not easy.” – Peter Simoons

New habits are bound to feel unfamiliar at first. Give them a chance. Changes that reduce your stress are worth it. Your mental and emotional health are at stake.

What adjustments can you make to your daily routine to reduce your stress?

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