These days, it’s difficult not to become overwhelmed, whether it be variables within your daily bubble, family, friends, and interpersonal interactions. Or maybe it’s stressors from work, or perhaps it’s the pain and tragedy in the news. The human experience for all its remarkability is often stressful. Stress is an unavoidable part of life; the goal isn’t to eliminate it but to learn how to manage it. Managing your stress can be difficult, and it takes practice, but it is necessary in the end.
Exercise
Exercising is a beautiful way to help manage and adjust to stress. Exercising releases endorphins, a feel-good chemical that improves your mood and can help your body relax post-workout. Focus on setting attainable fitness goals that can fit realistically into your schedule. Try some of the following options for your fitness goal:
- Yoga
- Running
- Walking
- Biking
- HITT Workouts
- Dance Workouts
- Aerobics
- Swimming
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a beautiful way to help calm you down in the moment. A life full of stress can often lead to panic when it comes to specific events. Follow and practice these steps the next time you’re hit with intense moments of stress.
- Sit in a comfortable position. Either laying on the floor or sitting comfortably in a chair with your hands in your lap and your feet grounded on the floor.
- Close your eyes
- Imagine yourself in a beautiful place. Either a constructed scene like the beach or in the woods. Or perhaps a location from your memory that brings you peace.
- Slowly breathe in while counting to five
- Slowly breathe out to the count of three
- Repeat for 3-10 minutes, or until you feel sufficently relaxed.
Talk to Someone
The worst thing you can do when you are stressed is keeping it bottled up inside. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone and open up when you feel overwhelmed by stress. Whether it’s your partner, parent, friend, or boss don’t be afraid to be transparent and honest. If you feel like you may need more professional help, seek out a counselor or therapist, they’re there to help you and improve your life.
Stress is an entirely natural part of life, but that doesn’t make it easy to deal with. Remember to practice the skills mentioned above. Sometimes we just need to take life one day at a time. Be kind to yourself.