Today, I want to talk to those of you who feel like your stress level might be on the rise.

Now, I have been in this line of work for 15 years now, and normally, this time of autumn, I see stress levels start to spike in a lot of people. It makes sense, right? Summer travel is behind us, and if you’re a parent, you’re back in the throes of the demands of the new school year.And, oh my goodness, the holidays will be here before we know it.

So, a few questions I want to ask you if your stress is spiking?

1. Who are you talking to?

Social support is an incredibly effective way to lower your stress level. If you’re someone who has let your friendships wither on the vine or is really not good at reaching out for others, I am going to nudge you to get over those things to bring some social support back into your life.

2. What are you doing for good mental housekeeping?

Now, exercise is a wonderful stress reliever. It makes endorphins that help us feel better. There’s no question about it. But what, if anything, do you do to clean out your brain periodically, and to double check some of your thoughts that might be contributing to your stress? Good question, right? That might be journaling, reading a really good self-help book, listening to an amazing podcast on well-being, or engaging in coaching or therapy.

3. What is the single, biggest rock you might possibly be able to move?

What is the single, largest ongoing stressor in your life that, if you could move it, it would have a tremendously beneficial impact on you and your wellbeing? See if you can identify one, and then I would encourage you to put your energy and resources, after pursuing change, towards that front.

Click here to learn more about how to shift your stressful mindset.