Stress – it’s something that we all have to deal with sooner or later. However, there are some things that can make it much easier to manage your stress before your stress manages you. In this post you’ll find 10 things that you must have or do in order to cultivate a healthy stress management practice.
Breathe
Deep breathing is food for the soul. It can help relax or energize you depending on your method. Here’s a simple exercise called box breathing:
Visualize the four sides of a box while you are doing each step of the exercise.
Step One: Breathe in through your while you count to 4.
Step Two: Hold your breath while you count to 4.
Step Three: Breathe out while you count to 4.
Step Four: Hold your breath while you count to 4.
Repeat
Sleep
Sleep is a vital component of any stress management practice. It helps rejuvenate your body and prepares you to face whatever challenges the next day holds.
Support System
In challenging times like these, having people that you can turn to can make all of the difference in your ability to cope with life’s challenges. Even if you can’t get together in person, many people are only a call away.
Hobbies
In 2020 and 2021 many people learned how to bake bread. What will you do in 2022? Hobbies add a richness and joy to life in addition to helping you become more creative. If you’ve been around the Making Time Blog for any length of time then you know about my love of scrapbooking. But recently, I’ve taken up hand embroidery and I love it! It feeds my creative side and there’s nothing like seeing something that you’ve envisioned come to life. If you can’t figure out what hobby might suit your temperament, try doing a Google search.
Water
Water is like milk – it does a body good! 😊 It helps your cells to function properly and there’s nothing like it to quench your thirst on a hot summer’s day. Many people don’t drink enough water. Try eating food high in water content like melons or leafy greens. You could also get a water bottle that time stamped on the side to remind you to drink.
Healthy Diet
All food groups are important. You just have to be moderate in the amount of salt, sugar and fat that you include in your day-to-day meals. A healthy diet gives your body to nutrients that it needs to battle the stressors in your life.
Exercise
When it comes to exercise – move it or lose it should be your refrain. Start where you are. If you haven’t exercised in a while, start small. If you are a regular exerciser, change up your routine or step it up a notch in order to keep your body challenged.
Laughter
Laughter is another thing that feeds the soul. Make time to laugh every day. Laughter releases serotonins in the brain which helps to protect you from stress. Some ways to laugh more are:
Tell jokes (even dad jokes can be funny)
Talk with funny family, friends or co-workers
Watch a comedy
Read a funny book
Pets
Our pets entertain us, look to us for guidance and most importantly they love us. There have been numerous studies that have shown the power of pets in the fight against stress. If you don’t have your own, spend time with the pets of friends and family or volunteer with an organization that helps animals.
Gratitude
Having a gratitude practice is one of those things that seems small, but pays off big dividends in the end. Over time, having the people and things that bring you the most joy in the forefront of your mind will lower your stress levels and give you a greater appreciation for what you have.
So there you have it! 10 easy ways to manage your stress. They're great because you can use them as starting points to developing an in depth stress management practice.
Let’s talk, what is one simple activity that you do to manage your stress? Let me know in the comments section.
Zoom Photo by Compare Fibre on Unsplash
Cassandra Martin-Himmons is a facilitator, stress management coach and author of “Yes I’m Grateful,” a gratitude journal. She believes in empowering her clients to help them manage their stress and increase self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys papercrafting, volunteering and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn