Stressful situations are events that disturb the body’s equilibrium state.

Stress can be a form of our body’s reaction to both positive and negative events. Those events in our life that affect the normal routine our body is adapted to are referred to as stressful situations.

Research suggests that stress isn’t always bad, in fact, it can be good. But when we let the negative effects of stressful situations bother us to an extent that we’d cling onto it for days or even years, that’s when it can take a toll on our mental and physical health.

4 Most Common Types of Stressful Situations and Coping Mechanisms

Stressful events can be categorized into two: short-term and long-term. Some of the major stressors of life are:

Death of a loved one

If we’ve been through this, we know it. Nothing about death can be controlled by us, and it can leave extreme pain and agony residing in our hearts. It’s in human nature to mourn and remain gloomy for some time, but there comes a point where we have to recover and move on with our lives.

How to cope:

The memory of a painful event will remain forever, but the pain would certainly heal with time. If you’re willing to move on from this terrible stressful situation over time and find the purpose to go on, everything will be okay once again.

Cherish the memories you had with your loved ones and do things that would make them proud. Accept the reality and pain, feel it and remember that with time, you’ll be okay.

Life won’t be the same, but you can make it better once again with support and willingness.

Becoming a Parent

One of the best feelings in the world is when we hold our child in our arms for the first time. While having a child brings all the joy to our homes, it can mess up our routine. Things won’t be the same anymore.

New parents experience extremely stressful situations — from changing diapers at midnight to forgetting what silence is for months.

How to cope:
  • Express your gratitude and the love you have for your child.
  • Construct a new routine that is parent-friendly.
  • Ask for help.
  • Sneak in a little ‘me’ time.
  • Understand that soon things will change and you will actually miss these beautiful days, so cherish the babying phase while you can.

Work

Not so surprisingly, work is one of the major stressors in our lives. According to research conducted in the U.S., 40% of the workers in organizations were stressed out.

Whether it is a sour boss or a conflicting relationship with our colleagues or anxiety associated with an event that has occurred or is likely to happen, things can get bitter. When companies don’t pay on time, the employees are likely to sink into a whirlwind of stress.

How to Cope:

The best way to resolve work-related stressful situations is to critically analyze the situation and remove the source of stress.

If it’s a colleague who’s bothering you, figure out a plan to resolve the situation or avoid any contact with them. If it’s a matter of paycheck, demand your right. Never settle.

School

School can be the cause of a number of stressful situations. Some students experience difficulties in keeping up with the academics. Some others might be going through a traumatic situation at school such as bullying — which involves both physical and verbal abuse.

No one deserves to go through such pain and fear, hence, situations like this require immediate attention.

How to Cope:

There are people out there who are willing to help. Find a friendly tutor if you’re performing poorly.

If it’s a bully bothering you, raise your voice and speak to your parents, teachers, school counselors, or even a friend (at school or elsewhere). Help is out there. Just ask for it. It can be difficult, but stay courageous and talk about it with the people you trust.

8 General Tips to Help You Cope with Stressful Situations

We all go through different stressful situations. Nonetheless, here are a few ways to cope with them (whatever it is that you are going through):

1. Write down what you feel

Give a name to everything you feel and write about it.

2. Take long walks

Take the time to cut yourself off from the world even if it’s just for a little while. Choose the best hour of the day and go for a walk.

3. Try meditation or breathing exercises

Incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Alternatively, you can try some simple breathing techniques. Take deep breaths, count to ten, and chin up.

4. Eat your comfort food

Pamper yourself. Eat what you love. Keep your portions in check, but get that comfort food into your system.

5. Have reward days

If you are overworking your body, take some time off and reward yourself in the best way you can.

6. Spend time with people who make you feel good

When you are stressed, the moments of laughter can help you release that tension. Go out, talk to the ones you love and trust, or make new friends and have some fun.

7. Watch or read something inspirational

Whether it’s a motivational video or a movie that’s going to affect you positively, watch that good stuff. Alternatively, you can read an inspirational novel or a motivational story.

8. Remind yourself that stress is temporary

At every opportunity, remind yourself that things will get better. You can use positive affirmations and say them a few times a day.

You might be having an internal conflict or going through a dooming event. Stressful situations vary, but no matter what you’re going through, remember that things are going to get better.

You’ll make it through this — better and stronger than you were before.


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