Stress is inevitable. Whether we like it or not, we cannot run from the stressors of everyday life, our professional lives, or even our family lives. I have struggled for a long time with my stress, and I still find it quite difficult to manage. I feel tightness in my chest, the occasional headache, mental fog, and even fatigue. When it becomes too hard to handle, I like to take a step back to collect myself and my thoughts. There are certain things that help me through these difficult times. Usually, one thing alone does not help me cope with stress. It is a combination of everyday activities that each work together to calm me down. Here are a few of my top favorite ways to combat stress!
1. Daily Meditation
Meditation takes practice, but it definitely pays off! My favorite apps for guided meditation are Insight Timer and Headspace. Both of them offer free meditations that start as short as 5 minutes! I have found it helpful to start out small and build it up.
2. Daily Exercise
Daily exercise is very helpful for both my mental and physical health, and if I find myself being more stationary, I feel the effects! I try to move in some way everyday, whether it is weightlifting at the gym or taking a stroll on my lunch break. I love weightlifting because I find that it takes out my many frustrations the most!
3. Hot Tea
Non-caffeinated tea can be so soothing! It warms your body and calms your nerves. Tea can come in all sorts of flavors including berry, vanilla, and peach. Tea has many other health benefits, but it most definitely helps with stress!
4. Stress Balls
Sometimes we need a little stress ball to get us through a rough, stressful day! Using stress balls is so easy because you can be doing so many other things at the same time! Some times while I am studying I take out one of the many stress balls I own, and it helps me focus so much more!
5. Essential Oils
I love to have some extra bottles of essential oils laying around to place on my temples or wrists, or even a dab under my nose! I have a special roll-on bottle of lavender that I use every night before bed, and it helps me find some peace. My other two favorites for stress are peppermint and tea tree oils.
6. Extra Z’s
Sometimes a little more sleep can do wonders! Sometimes when I am extremely stressed out, I am usually lacking some essential Z’s. Obviously, I don’t need to tell anyone that sleep is important, but it is really important to remember to prioritize it, especially when you’re stressed out.
7. Talking It Out
More than anything, talking out my stress and frustrations with a friend or family member is SO helpful. I don’t regularly attend therapy (I have in the past and should go back), but I can always guarantee that talking things out with someone will help me. Make sure that you talk with someone you trust and love because they are the ones that know you the best!
8. Taking a Day Off
I’ll be honest. In high school I knew a few people that would stay home from school once every two months or so for a “mental health day”. I thought it was the most ridiculous thing! When I got to college, I was proved wrong. We are not meant to be worked to the bone. We deserve some time to ourselves, some time to rest and rejuvenate. I have learned that resting often actually helps me in the long run because it allows me to be more productive during my work time. If you are feeling off, it is very likely that your body is trying to tell you something! Take a rest. You and your mind will thank you for it.
I love experimenting with new and old methods. We all deserve some self-care once in a while, but I prefer everyday! Do you use any of these stress relieving methods? What works for you and what doesn’t? What are you thinking of trying?