Ways To Handle Stress

There’s no doubt that we all have to deal with stress every now and then. Between work, family, and maybe even a global pandemic, stress can cause such anxiety and even health concerns to everyone. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take to minimize your stress level and handle stress, especially when it hits you hard.

Breathe
While it may sound too simple of an answer, breathing is one of the most obvious yet important ways to handle stress. By simply taking a few deep breaths, you can soon find your mind at ease and the stress leaving your body. Take five to ten minutes to sit still, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths until you find yourself in a better place mentally and physically.

Exercise
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to handle stress and avoid stress altogether. Not only will exercising improve your mood by releasing endorphins, but the physical stress that you put on your body will help you relieve your mental stress. Even if you don’t have time to make it a part of your daily activity, when you feel that stress building up, hit the gym, go for a hike, or break out the punching bag.

Music
Listening to music is a great way to handle stress. By playing your favorite song, some old hits, or simply finding a relaxing song, you may find yourself in a new state of mind in no time. Finding your inner peace through a song can even lower your blood pressure—a very important factor when it comes to your health.

Relax
Many times, stress is caused by having too much on your plate. If that is the case, maybe that is a sign to set some time aside to relax and focus on yourself. Take a hot shower or bath, get a massage, or even take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Heat and stretching can help relieve the tension that is likely built up in your muscles, and will help you feel rejuvenated afterwards.

Surround Yourself With What You Love
When stress hits, sometimes all you need is a little love. It’s time to surround yourself with the things and people you love rather than the things that are causing you stress. If you love the beach, take some time to sit on the sand and hear the waves crash, or maybe all you need is a little puppy love from your pet! Don’t let the stress take over your life and take precedence over the things you love most.

Write It Out
Stress can be caused by built-up emotions, and with that comes anxiety, neck pain, and headaches. If your stress is caused by many emotions, it may be time to let it out. Take the opportunity to write out all of your thoughts and emotions onto a piece of paper. Whether it’s keeping a journal or simply jotting down your thoughts on a napkin, you may be surprised at how good it feels to let your emotions out rather than keep them in.

Yoga
Yoga is the practice of combining your mind with your body. By stretching and strengthening your muscles, you will also put great thought into your breathing, which will ultimately help you relax and release that stress that is built up inside. You can find a local class, follow along a video online, or even take yourself through yoga poses as you feel the stress and anxiety exit your body.