Everyone gets stressed now and then. It’s part of the human condition. But ongoing stress can cause a multitude of health issues when left unchecked.
Many stress factors are outside of our control, which is the main reason they are stressful! And when we are stressed, we tend to make mistakes, adding to our problems.
So, what can you do when the stress starts to get the best of you? Here are some ideas for finding your calm in the storm.
#1. Spend Time Alone
Take a moment to yourself to catch your breath, think your thoughts, and get your focus back.
#2. Practice Deep Breathing
Use a controlled breathing technique to focus on your breaths and deactivate the fight-or-flight mechanism that’s happening in your body during stress.
#3. Turn on Soothing Music
Music can work wonders to soothe the soul. Try classical, instrumental, or meditation music.
#4. Go for a Walk/Exercise
Exercise of any kind delivers feel-good hormones while eliminating stress hormones in the body.
#5. Reschedule Something
Are you overbooked? Fix the problem by changing some deadlines. You can only do what you can do.
#6. Delegate
If you have too much on your plate, hand something over to someone else. You may have to check up on them, but the bulk of the responsibility is theirs.
#7. Collaborate
Working with someone else can be a lot more fun. Now you share the responsibilities and may get some fresh ideas.
#8. Get Stuff Done
Finish up every little task you can and check it off your list. Celebrate little victories to remind yourself what a superstar you really are.
#9. Pray/Meditate
Reach out to your higher source for guidance, wisdom, and a “peace that passes understanding.” Listen from your spirit, not your ears.
#10. Take a Hot Bath
There’s nothing like a long, hot soak to wash away stress. Add some music and candles for the best experience.
#11. Watch What You Put in Your Mouth
Caffeine and sugar do more harm than good. Alcohol can make things much worse. Treat your body with healthy fuels if you want it to run properly.
#12. Color/Draw
Coloring or drawing can be a great stress reliever. It creates a quiet, mindfulness experience while activating different parts of the brain.
#13. Cry it Out
Sometimes you just need a good cry. Holding in your emotions adds to your stress. Crying can be very cleansing.
#14. Talk it Out
Find someone you can share your concerns and struggles with. Putting them to words can often help you find solutions. Either way, having a support person is wonderful.
#15. Take a Nap
Everything is worse when we’re overtired. Taking even a short nap can give you the energy to make it through the next issue.
#16. Be Assertive
Say what you need. Take charge of your own well-being. If you don’t speak up for yourself, who will?
#17. Physical Contact
Hugging, kissing, cuddling, massage, etc., can calm the body and turn off the voices in your head that are screaming at you. It tells your body that you are not alone.
#18. Take Supplements
Give your body the support it needs whether it’s chamomile tea or Vitamin C. Stress depletes the body of many nutrients, so it’s essential to replace them.
#19. Light a Candle/Essential Oils
Scented candles and essential oils have many beneficial properties that help to calm nerves and bring healing to body and soul.
#20. Journal
Writing down your feelings is one of the best ways to identify what’s happing in your heart. Often the solution is laying right there beneath the surface.
#21. Laugh
Laughter and stress can almost not coexist. Find the funny in a stressful situation and make fun of it.
#22. Spend Time With a Pet
Nothing is quite as therapeutic as time with a beloved fur baby. Animals can be very compassionate, and they are never judgmental.
Self-care is not selfish. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? And how can you be your best for your family and others if you’ve worn yourself out?
Share your favorite ways to relieve the stress in your life.
Article written by Cindy White Horvath. She can be reached at cindy@avgffa.org
