6 Ways to Reduce Stress

Stress can take over your mind, body, and spirit for various reasons whether it be finances, exams, health, moving, relationships, family, friends, etc the list goes on… but the one thing we have in common is that we have all experienced it and know what it feels like. I believe that social media does not help and can sometimes make us feel as though we are missing out on everything. Whatever it is that you are stressed about, know that there are ways to manage it. Here I share some of my top things that I do when I am stressed…. And it works. WELL!

1. Journal

Write. What are your thoughts? What are you grateful for? How are you feeling? What did you do today? This week? Upcoming plans? What do you want to accomplish? What are the steps to accomplish your goal?

Writing things down is essential. Whatever it may be from what you are grateful for to what you did that day and how you are feeling. Jot it down. Based on experience, this is truly the biggest stress reliever there was for me. Writing works especially if you feel like you have no one to talk to. Writing can help clear your mind on anything and everything that is going through your head. It can actually put events, people, places, and things in perspective so that you can see the bigger picture leaving you feeling less stressed about any situation. Whatever it is that you are struggling with. I firmly believe writing it down will help.

2. Self Affirmations

Take your limiting beliefs and look at them for what they are, lies. These beliefs are brainwashing you to believe something that you are not. These are stories that we tell ourselves that are negative, for example, “I am not good enough…, I am not worthy…, I am not strong enough…, I am not tough enough…., I am not smart enough…” If you replace these negative lies with positive truths or affirmations it will change your life for the better. Positive thinking will enhance your life in every aspect. Think that you are capable of being anything you want to be and one day these true positive beliefs that are in fact true will become true. Write them down in every aspect of life from your career to relationships with family and friends, from your hobbies to habits, from your physical health to mental health. When you are feeling low and second guessing yourself look at the limiting belief for what it is… a LIE. Change your thoughts and repeat, write, or recite positive affirmations that will empower you to step into your true power.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Stress can be caused from a lack of sleep. Getting enough sleep will help you start your day on a fresh, positive note. Prior to going to bed unplug from your computer, desktop, or TV completely and turn off all lights to sleep through the night. If you are having trouble sleeping, I will do a future blog post on how to help those who suffer from insomnia because I do know some tricks to help.

4. Spend Time with People Who Lift You Up

This is the most important thing for me when I feel stressed or overwhelmed. Surrounding ourselves with people who bring us up and make us feel good is essential during stressful times. Being around people you love instantly lifts your mood. You can talk to them or change the topic entirely to get your mind off it. Release relationships that are not working out anymore.

5.Get Active

For me, when I am stressed, running is key. I truly feel as though a weight has lifted off of my shoulder after going on a run. Yoga also helps. In yoga you practice Savasannah. This is meditation. When you meditate, you can notice situations, people, and places from a completely different point of view. Even a walk outside will help. This is better than nothing. This is because exercise boosts feel-good endorphins and helps take your mind off of daily things that stress you out. It improves your quality of sleep as well.

6. Light a Candle

Burning a scented candle may help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety. Calming or soothing scents from lavender to rose or vanilla can truly put you in a better mood.