How to get ready for the reality that life will be tough at some point

Stress is a natural part of life, but sometimes it gets too much. For example, on days when you have an essential event to happen or your work schedule is packed to capacity. But you can handle them too — you need to prepare appropriately. Here are a few things to do if you know you’re going to have a busy day soon.

10 ways to be ready that life will be tough at some point

1. Keep an eye on the energy level

Stress occurs when our activity level exceeds the optimal energy level. That’s why it’s essential to try to devote time not only to important tasks but also to taking care of your health at least a little. Keep an eye on your energy level — if you feel that it is on the decline, take a break for a little thing that will help you relax.

Of course, it would be nice to set aside half an hour for a walk or exercise, but if you don’t have the opportunity, then take at least five minutes to stretch, look out the window without thinking about anything, eat a healthy snack, or chat with a positive person.

2. Remind yourself to breathe deeply

Under stress, we automatically begin to breathe short and often, but this does nothing to calm the excitement and anxiety. To improve your condition and stay calm, practice taking deep breaths and exhaling. Also, if you feel that the tension is growing, perform a simple exercise: inhale for four counts, hold your breath for four counts, exhale for six counts, and repeat.

3. Prepare everything in the evening

To make the morning of a busy day go smoothly, prepare yourself in the evening. Pack your bag, iron the clothes you’re going to wear, and make sure you’ve got everything you need for important things—documents, gadgets, notes. Visit. A F R I N I K . C O M . For the full article. If you have meetings scheduled, ensure you are aware of the time and location. This simple step will save you from the morning fuss and allow you to start the day calmly.

4. Get enough sleep

Sleep is your main ally in the fight against stress. Try to go to bed early to give your body enough time to recover. And if you’re nervous and can’t sleep, try these relaxation techniques: breathe deeply and slowly, listen to calming music, and drink herbal teas like chamomile or mint. A good night’s sleep will help you keep your mind clear and energized throughout the day.

5. Don’t forget about the food

On stressful days, it’s easy to forget about food, but this will only increase the tension. Prepare balanced snacks and water to keep your energy up. Choose foods that give you a long-lasting feeling of fullness: meat, nuts, fruits, yogurt, and whole grains. Avoid excess caffeine and sugar — they can cause sudden energy spikes. Remember: your brain and body need fuel to cope with the load.

6. Divide the day into blocks

If the day seems too busy, divide it into parts — this will help you complete everything and avoid forgetting anything. For example, schedule the most important tasks in the morning while you are awake and fresh. Set aside the afternoon for meetings, answering emails, or making phone calls. In the evening, summarize the results of the day, and then plan a quality vacation to relax and recover. This approach will help avoid overloading and maintain concentration for an extended period.

7. Keep “emergency” tools handy

Sometimes, stress catches up suddenly and becomes a big problem, even if you knew in advance that the day would be stressful. Prepare some tools that will help you recover quickly. It can be a playlist with your favorite music, pre-recorded affirmations, or motivational quotes, as well as a small notebook in which you can jot down thoughts and emotions. These little things can be your support in a difficult moment.

8. Ask for help

Stress is often associated with anticipation rather than the event itself. We can go over different scenarios of what’s going to happen in our heads or worry that the day won’t go according to plan. If you feel that anxiety is growing, ask for support from others — this will ease the burden and help you feel emotionally lighter.

For example, if you usually walk your dog but you need to prepare for an exam, ask someone close to you to help you out. And if you’re afraid to oversleep the interview, ask a friend to call you five minutes after the alarm clock and stay in touch until you get out of bed. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, so you should not refuse them.

9. Remind yourself of your strengths

It often happens that, in anticipation of stress, we worry that we will be unable to cope with it. You can replay phrases like “I’m not very competent, so I might fail my presentation” or “I’ve never come up with good ideas, so I’m afraid to take the floor at a meeting.” Such thoughts reduce confidence and make you even more susceptible to stress.

To deal with them, you need to focus on your strengths. You can remind yourself that you’re a great listener and that you know how to stay composed in public, even if someone brings you into conflict. Addressing your strengths is a way to maintain confidence and overcome anxiety related to self—doubt.

10. Reward yourself at the end of the day

To make it easier to get through a stressful day, you need to find something joyful and positive that you can look forward to. This technique helps to tune in to the best and calmly perceive the troubles that may happen. Plan something pleasant for the evening that will help you relax and unwind.

It can be watching your favorite movie, taking a hot bubble bath, or chatting with friends, whether live or online. The “reward” will help you transition from tension to rest and make you feel that you have coped with everything.