Have you ever felt stressed out? Sure! We all have from time to time. It’s something everyone experiences from time to time. When stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can lead to negative consequences for both our mental and physical health so knowing how much stress is too much for you is key to a healthy and happy life.
One of the most effective ways to manage stress is by seeking help from others, whether it be your close friends, family, or a professional. But asking for help can be difficult, especially if you're someone who’s used to handling everything on your own. So, we’ve compiled five tips to make it easier for you to ask for help when you’re feeling stressed.
5 Ways to Ask for Help When You’re Feeling Stressed
Be specific about what you need.
When you're feeling stressed, it's easy to feel like you need help with almost everything. When we are specific, it is easier for people to know what to do, and how to stay out of the way. Think about the tasks that are causing you the most stress and focus on those. If you're feeling overwhelmed at work, you might ask a coworker or your boss to help you with a specific project. If what is stressing you out is the people around you, you can be specific about the type of space you need from them.
Use "I" statements.
When asking for help, it's important to use "I" statements instead of "you" statements. This helps to avoid sounding accusatory or placing blame on others. For example, instead of saying "You're not helping me enough," try saying "I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now and I could use some extra help." This also allows you to articulate what you need and organize your thoughts. It also allows the other person a chance to be there for you without feeling like they are causing you to feel bad.
Be honest about your feelings.
It's okay to be vulnerable and honest about how you're feeling – especially in times of need. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, let the people in your life know. This can help them understand the urgency of the situation and how they can best support you. It can also help you remain connected to yourself as you move through stressful times. Keep in mind that some people are better are being there for others emotionally than others. Not everyone has the emotional intelligence, or bandwidth, to hold space for you.
Ask for help from someone you trust.
When it comes to asking for help, it's important to choose someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, or coworker who you feel comfortable talking to. Make sure to choose someone who will be supportive and non-judgmental. Also, if you feel that you do not have anyone in your life that can support you in the way you need, reach out to a professional like a therapist, a life coach, hypnotherapist, or a mental health advocate.
Practice receiving.
Another important thing when asking for help is being able to welcome it when it is offered. Most of the time help will not come in the same way that we would do it. Accept it how it comes and see it as an opportunity to let the people in your life to show you what they are capable of. When we receive from those in our lives they receive the message that we trust them and this is valuable for long lasting, reliable relationships.
Asking for help can be extremely difficult for many of us. It doesn't make us weak or helpless. It makes us human. When we reach out to our community we create connections and we receive care. Start small and go big when you need it.