IT’S UNLIKELY YOU know anyone who’s totally immune to the stresses of daily life.
Some people have better coping mechanisms than their peers while others are still learning to acknowledge their triggers and identify potential remedies, but there are very few of us who can navigate life without enduring periods of stress.
Today is International Stress Awareness Day; a day which has been observed on the first Wednesday of November for the last 20 years.
With this in mind, we take a look at the ways some of the world’s most high-profile women deal with something we’ve all fallen victim to at times.
Khloé Kardashian
Khloé’s devotion to the gym in recent years didn’t go unnoticed by the media, and while many believed that her new-found love of exercise stemmed from insecurities about her appearance, it was actually a method of stress-relief.
Speaking to Marie Claire, Khloé said breaking a sweat did much to alleviate her stress.
The gym has taken away so much of my stress. It has helped calm me down. When I’m fidgety and I just feel like everything is closing in, I go to the gym. You’re building endorphins and feeling good about yourself. It’s saved me.
Viola Davis
The Oscar-winning actress says she alleviates stress by confiding in those closest to her when she feels overwhelmed.
In an interview with Vibe, Viola explained that she finds it too difficult to hide her stress, and actively seeks an ear whenever she feels vulnerable or in need of emotional support.
I own my story. I’m not interested in being perfect. That’s how I deal [with stress]. I don’t put on a mask. I think that the effort to put on the mask is probably more detrimental than just being able to step up and admit your vulnerability in front of people who have enough empathy for you.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston takes a preventative approach when it comes to dealing with stress.
As opposed to waiting to tackle it head-on once she becomes overwhelmed, she practices yoga on a regular basis in an effort to change her mindset when moments of potential stress arise.
Speaking to E! Online, she said:
Yoga kind of helps you prepare for everything, honestly. It’s like meditation. It sort of just allows anything that’s coming at you at the end of the day to be kind of doable.
Sofia Vergara
The Modern Family actress said she gained strength from realising that work should be something you find pleasure in.
As jobs and career paths are a source of considerable stress for many of us, Sofia suggests alleviating stress in that regard by identifying whether your mental health is in jeopardy as a result of your current role.
Speaking to Health.com, she said: “After working so many years, I think the most helpful thing has been realising that you have to enjoy your work.”
It’s not worth it to be around people who are sucking the energy out of you or who are creating problems. I don’t need to sacrifice my sanity, or time with my family, if I’m having a horrible time.
Kate Winslet
If you know disorganisation can heighten your stress levels, then it’s important to head that off at the pass by taking the time to plan ahead.
Kate Winslet is a firm believer in pre-planning when it comes to day-to-day life.
Speaking to Marie Claire, she explained how she keeps stress at bay:
I plan everything in advance: who’s dropping off [the kids], who’s picking up. We have charts, maps, and. lists on the fridge, all over the house. I sometimes feel like I’m with the CIA.
