No matter what you do or where you are, you are going to run into stress. How you handle this stress determines whether the stress is helpful for you or if the stress is harmful for you. Choosing to run away from stress is one of the more common reactions, though it does not necessarily solve the problem. When you choose to run away from the things which stress you, you are simply choosing to avoid the stress, causing it to be all the more impactful when you finally face it down.

Signs You’re Avoiding Stress

Many people simply want to avoid the stress they encounter. To do so, they will find ways to explain away the stress they feel or they might take to blaming a situation on someone else in order to create positive feelings in themselves. When you’re running away from stress, you might find:

• You get angry often

• You have muscle tension and headaches

• You tell people often that you’re never stressed

The truth is that everyone encounters and manages stress on a daily basis. While some might manage it better than others, not acknowledging the stress in the first place can also lead to more problems. In order to solve any problem, you need to admit that it’s taking place.

A Positive Way to Run Away From Stress

Many people don’t want to talk about their stress for fear of sounding depressing during conversations. But that isn’t necessarily true. Though you may feel you are complaining all of the time, instead of looking at stress in this way, you should try recognizing that these constant complaints are merely a sign that you need to change your life. Ask your friends for help, for guidance as you manage your life – and you may be surprised at how they can truly help you. Write in a journal about the stress you’re feeling if you don’t want to talk to others. Just getting the stress out and away from you may be all that you need to change.

Recognizing Stress for What It Is

Stress is not necessarily something that happens to us. Stress is actually our reaction to the things outside of us. And stress is often something we can control. By looking at stress from this objective point of view, you can see how you are the one who can change the way your body and mind respond. Simply by realizing that stress is not impossible to control, you can begin to see that stress is something which can be overcome.

Your stress will always find you, no matter how far you might run. Instead of simply running away, face your stress, acknowledge it for what it is, and then find ways to feel better about yourself and the situation.