The 5 Keys to Coping with Stress

By Jessica Cohen | June 1st, 2013 at 8:23 am   


Yesterday the folks at Queendom.com released results of a study showing how happy people handle stressful situations.  How do people who are genuinely happy cope with stressful times?

Okay, so you might be rolling your eyes right now, but bear with me.  This, my friends, is fascinating.

Here’s why.  Managing stress is not only important for our emotional health but it is vital for our physical health as well.  During times of stress, any (or all) of the following may occur: increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, changes in breathing patterns, tense muscles, disrupted sleep patterns,  weakened digestive system, and lower immune system resistance.   The effects of stress can takes a serious toll on one’s health, so understanding resiliency and coping techniques might enable us to keep people not only happier, but physically healthier too.

So, why do happier people show more resilience in stressful times while others have more difficulty?  The Queendom.com study looked at 1,434 people who are very happy with their life and found five common factors in coping with stress:


Techniques for Coping with Stress

Here are the five ways that happy people cope with stressful situations. Which one of these do you use?


Problem-Solving Technique
Happy people take active steps to discover the underlying cause of stress and find ways to either solve or improve their situation. They approach stress in a more systematic, practical way. (before sleeping, i tend to organize my thoughts and contemplate..i prioritize which should be tackled first..which is the most important..clear out your mind from any NEGATIVE thinking..always stay positive)


Positive Recognitive Structuring Technique

Happy people can look at a problem or source of stress from a different, more empowering angle.  They find a silver lining to the issue or change the way they think about it. (the positive attitude, the positive thinking..trigger happy techniques - think of happy moments in the past that made you smile or happy or laugh..but stay positive and everything will be fine..eat your favorite food..food is the fastest way for your comfort)


Negotiation Technique

By compromising and negotiating, happy people can lessen their own aggravation levels.  They are able to adjust their attitude or outlook in order to adapt to a stressful situation. (everything happens for a reason..i always mention the phrase "In Jesus name" or "Jesus save me" when I'm in a difficult situation and it never fails..compromise on issues but never compromise your principles..do what is right even if others were not looking)


Emotional Regulation Technique

Happy people recognize the need to calm themselves down before tackling a stressful situation.  They look for a way to release  excess energy in order to see the situation from a less emotional and more rational perspective. (I do confessional writing to calm myself - like talking to God by writing a letter e.g. Dear Father in heaven and then pouring out all what's inside in your mind.. Drinking teas and avoiding too much caffeine..less sugar also..eat healthy like buying assorted sliced fruits at the supermarket)


Distraction Technique

Along the lines of emotional regulation, some happy people distract themselves by socializing and enjoying themselves.  This allows them to take their mind off of their stressful situation until they are emotionally ready to find a solution. (do the things that you really like (or love) such as watching a movie, eating your favorite comfort food, going out with your friends, play with your pets..remember always be happy..its your choice..and the universe will send you more happiness)

(source: http://www.babble.com/body-mind/the-5-keys-to-coping-with-stress/#next-slideshow)