#1 RELIEVE STRESS WITH MUSIC
There are many easy ways to relieve stress and reset your mood, one way is by listening to music. When feeling down or upset, dancing around or singing your heart out to an upbeat playlist is the perfect way to boost your mood.
On the other hand, if you’re stressed and overwhelmed, a soothing instrumental playlist can calm your nervous system and sooth your stressed-out thoughts. Take some deep breathes, focus on the music, and let yourself relax.
#2 MOVE YOUR BODY
Going for a short walk or completing a quick workout is an easy way to reduce stress and feel less overwhelmed. It gets your blood flowing and can distract you from spiraling thoughts and any angst you may be feeling.
It’s a great way to reset, take a step back, organize your thoughts, and reflect on how you’re feeling.
#3 READ A BOOK OR WATCH A MOVIE
This is great if you’re in need of an escape. Sometimes when stressed or anxious, if you allow yourself to settle into a good book or film it’ll help you relax and get you out of your heads for a bit.
Maybe you can’t pinpoint why you’re feeling overwhelmed at the moment. That’s okay. Diving into someone else’s world through a book or letting yourself smile and laugh at a comedic movie can help loosen you up a bit and calm your mind.
#4 PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
There’s a lot that goes into the practice of mindfulness. It’s a well-researched area and strategy for managing stress that I’ve tried and recommend. To sum it up, mindfulness is all about being in tune with your thoughts and aware of how you’re feeling.
Take a moment to recognize your feelings and your body’s reactions related to the stress, without judging yourself for feeling that way.
Pause, take several deep breaths, and think of one thing you can see, one thing you can hear, one thing you can feel, and one thing you can smell. It’s a simple way to be more mindful of your feelings in the moment without judging or overanalyzing those feelings to help you relax and relieve your stress. You can learn more about mindfulness here.
#5 RELIEVE STRESS THROUGH ORGANIZATION
Staying organized is an easy trick to ease stress. Start using a planner or making a list of what you need to do. This can help you manage and prioritize your time and reduce stress related to the possibility of forgetting an important assignment, meeting, or event.
Having a tangible to-do list that you can check off when you’ve completed a task can be a great way to make you feel more accomplished and spark positive feelings by keeping track of your productivity and remaining accountable.
#6 SLEEP
Getting enough sleep is easier said than done for busy people with busy lives. However, if you prioritize your time, get done what must be done, and put aside some of the less urgent things for when your schedule is more flexible, you may be able to squeeze in some extra time for sleep.
Getting a good night’s rest is crucial for our overall health and getting too little can negatively impact our mood. If you can, start making going to bed early and getting more sleep a habit. It’s surprising how much it can reduce stress and anxiety the following day.
#7 SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY
Friends and family are a great source of comfort when stress is getting to us. Whether it’s having a game night, going to the park, or simply just hanging out and talking, we can lean on those we love when we’re having a tough time.
Our loved ones can’t take the place of therapists when dealing with more complex issues or symptoms related to depression or anxiety, but they can offer us shoulders to lean on and sometimes advice when we’re feeling the effects of stress.
#8 NOURISH YOUR BODY
Sometimes we neglect the things that help reduce the effects of stress. While some of us may lose our appetite altogether, others (like me) might overindulge on our favorite comfort foods that may not be the healthiest.
We also have to remember that while small amounts of stress are beneficial and normal for healthy functioning, an excess of stress can sometimes lead to adverse effects such as inflammation.
Making a conscious effort to reach for healthier food options when we are feeling overwhelmed can help our bodies combat the impacts of excess stress.
#9 PAMPER YOURSELF TO RESET
Self care is the ultimate relaxation tool. Take a warm shower or bath, wear a face mask, and indulge in your skin care routine. Then light your favorite scented candles and listen to a podcast, read a book, or binge watch your favorite show. Not only will you likely feel rejuvenated, but it can help you feel reset, relaxed, and ready for whatever the next day has to offer.
#10 SPEND LESS TIME ON SOCIALS TO RELIEVE STRESS
While social media can be a great source of entertainment and knowledge, it can come with a lot of noise. It can be the source of toxic ads and marketing and a place that allows for constant comparison to others, leading to poor self-image and low self-esteem for some.
It can also be a major source of FOMO, causing us to feel down and stressed. By limiting our screen time, it may reduce these negative impacts and free up time for us to devote to bettering ourselves such as allowing time for self care, spending more time with our loved ones, or exploring our favorite hobbies, all of which can help you reset and find your calm.
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