Marketing, Worrying, And Research | 8 Ways To Bust The Stress Of It All

Create a worry budget.

Write down your worries.

A host of research has shown expressive writing (a.k.a. just writing down your thoughts for yourself and no one else) is an excellent way to clear your mind of nagging worries and improve your mental health.

Make a list.

Life can feel uncontrollable and your challenges vast. Actually listing them out has a tendency to cut them down to a more manageable size. "Seeing them spelled out will help you to understand which tasks are most important, which are achievable, as well as to identify those that are out of your control. Inevitably, highlighting where to focus your energy and how to best manage the daily hassles in your life means you are less likely to worry about them," explain the scientists. 

Try some mindfulness.

What you can't change, you're just going to have to accept. Mindfulness can help. "Open up to unpleasant feelings, and learn not to overreact to them, and try not to avoid triggering situations. If you feel too overwhelmed, then consider turning your focus on the present moment," the authors recommend.

Adopt a personal mantra.

Super achievers like Melinda Gates are big believers in mantras. This science suggests they're on to something. "Consider developing a 'mantra,' or a saying, that you repeat to yourself when you begin to notice yourself worrying. Something like 'Not now, James' or 'Save it for later, Laura' might work well. Or you could use something deeper and more meaningful, such as 'Nothing lasts forever' or 'It will get done.' Whatever your approach, it's important to make your mantra personal," suggests the researchers. 

Distract yourself.

You probably use this strategy already, but it's nice to know that science endorses it. Sometimes when you're stressing out, the best approach is simply to distract yourself with music, a good book, or whatever else is likely to give your brain a much needed rest. 

Focus on your body.

Worries have a tendency to loop back on themselves, creating repetitive negative thoughts that lead to more stress but no solutions. When you notice you're getting stuck in this cycle, the first order of business is breaking out of it. "Spend at least a few minutes paying particular attention to your breathing or giving your toes a wiggle. Pause and reflect -- how do they feel? This type of refocusing via your senses can also help," insist the experts.

Get active.

This particular study didn't delve into the effects of exercise on stress, but the authors feel compelled to note that a separate mountain of exercise suggests working up a sweat is one of the most effective mood boosters out there. One Harvard researcher even claimed exercise is like "taking a little bit of Prozac and a little bit of Ritalin."

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