When hard times hit, managing your stress level is more important than ever. With issues and difficulties of many types coming at you from a multitude of directions, your overall stress level can increase significantly, and finding ways to counter the stress you feel is an important priority.

The American Psychological Association just released their annual Stress in America Survey, and no one is surprised that stress levels have increased in the last year in the US. People reported more fatigue, anger and irritability and more than fifty per cent of respondents said they lay awake at night, unable to sleep because of stress.

Combined exhaustion, irritability and anger can result in different behaviors by different people and understanding the effects of stress in yourself, your family and your community is critical. People who otherwise manage their feelings and keep their stress in check may find it hard to do so.

Here are five simple ways to prevent and manage stress. Practice these techniques for yourself, but also share them with others, as you support those around you who are also feeling significant stress:

1. When some things are not working, take time to recognize what is working, and going right. Focus on the good things in your life, and what you appreciate.

2. Understand that many difficult situations are temporary and not permanent, to help keep perspective. Choose your response to events to keep things in balance.

3. Keep news and television watching in check, to prevent specific details from taking over your thinking.

4. Engage in calming activities, such as finding pockets of quiet time to read, or talk with someone you respect and who is supportive of you.

5. Become resilient by accepting what is, and cannot be changed. Try to take away a learning and move on.

The best way to manage your personal stress level is to not allow yourself to become overcome by negatives, but take on an approach that is continually hopeful, in spite of difficult times. Be resilient.

Carefully manage the thoughts you have to keep your stress in check.

Maria Berdusco supports others through challenges and can be reached at 412-221-3376. Visit Maria’s website.