Are you feeling more stressed out than usual these days? You’re certainly not alone, in fact, Google searches for “how to reduce stress” have hit a record high. And it’s not just online, therapists are seeing it in their practices, too.
“I’m actually hearing from a lot of my own patients that they can’t remember the last time that they were this stressed and unable to see an end in sight,” says psychiatrist Dr. Neha Chaudhary. “The spike in Google searches for how to manage stress isn’t just digital noise. It’s a population-level cry for help.”
She says things like the economy and the political climate are adding to our stress levels of our everyday lives, and that even positive life changes, like getting a promotion or having a baby, can take a toll. But there’s one positive to this trend: the surge in searches is a sign that people are more aware of their mental health and they’re trying to actively take control of it.
So, what is the best way to relieve stress? According to Chaudhary, it’s the one you’ll actually do. Acknowledging what’s in your control and accepting what’s not can help and so can focusing on how you respond to and deal with the emotions you feel. She also recommends these coping mechanisms.
- Taking a walk outside and getting some sun
- Practicing meditation and mindfulness
- Having face-to-face interactions with loved ones
- Making a playlist of your favorite songs and blasting it
- Calling a friend to vent or talk
- Developing healthy habits like exercising, getting better sleep or eating nutritious foods
- Working with a trained mental health professional
Source: CNBC