Most of us, especially during challenging times like a pandemic, experience increased stress and anxiety. I certainly do. These feelings can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it might seem like there’s no end in sight. But don’t worry, this too shall pass!
In the meantime, I’d like to share some tips on how to manage hardships, stress, depression, pessimism, and anxiety. It’s crucial, especially now, to find simple ways to refocus and ground ourselves. I hope you find these tips helpful!
I’m a big fan of journaling. It offers a safe space to express yourself freely and can lead to valuable self-discovery and growth. I especially love gratitude journaling, where you write positive things about your life and experiences. This practice helps shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.
Writing down positive things daily helps me, especially during tough times, to remind myself that there’s plenty to smile about. This practice helps balance the good and the bad. At the end of my fitness classes and training sessions, I often encourage my clients to think of three positive things that happened that day. This proactive positivity helps recenter them when life gets stressful.
I’m also really into scents and aromas. I love candles from Little Shop Oils, which are designed for different purposes like good luck, healing, or love. When I journal, I light a candle based on what I feel I need, and the smell instantly calms me. I also find an essential oil humidifier quite soothing.
Each of us has a couple of senses that we are more sensitive to. For me, touch and sound are particularly effective in reducing stress. For instance, the sensation of cold helps calm me, so I sometimes run my hands under cold water or hold an ice pack when stressed. Music also works wonders; I have a playlist of uplifting songs ready for when I need a mood boost.
Finding what works best for you involves self-reflection and some trial and error. Sometimes managing stress feels like playing whack-a-mole, but keep experimenting until you find something that works.
When feeling overwhelmed, changing your environment can help. Going for a walk or simply moving from inside to outside can reduce stress. With many of us spending more time indoors, it’s beneficial to schedule regular times for outdoor activities like walking, biking, or just sitting in a park.
Another classic stress relief tip is controlled breathing. When stressed, we tend to breathe shallowly from the shoulders, which doesn’t provide enough oxygen and can worsen anxiety. It’s important to breathe deeply from the diaphragm. To practice this, place one hand on your belly, sit tall, and try to push your hand away with your breath. This technique helps you feel more grounded.
In our digital world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by screens. I recommend limiting screen time for at least 1-2 hours before bed. This helps reduce stress and improve sleep quality. If that’s not possible, try for at least 15-30 minutes of screen-free time during the day.
I hope these stress relief tips help you find some peace. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Managing stress is a lifelong journey, and it’s important to practice self-care, know when to rest, and challenge yourself healthily. Trust your instincts and take care of yourself.
Stay healthy and safe! Thanks for reading.