10 Simple Things That Will Relieve Stress
Let’s be honest. Stress is part of life. And its impact is well known. It can harm our health, our outlook, our relationships, and just about every other part of our lives. Right now is the perfect time to check out some ways to manage or relieve stress. A stress-free day is a good day. So here are ten ways to help you stress less and feel happier.
1. Use Scents
There is a lot of research out there to suggest that our sense of smell can have a powerful impact. A great scent can make your space feel more inviting or remind of you of other places you love, like the beach or your grandma’s kitchen.
Suggestions:
- Light candles in fragrances that make you feel happy
- Find an expert to teach you about using essential oils (I have a friend who is a rep for Young Living and swears by them)
- Cook something you enjoy smelling
- Use beauty products that smell wonderful
2. Ingest Your Stress Relief
Consider what you put into your body as a way to manage stress. You will definitely want to talk with a medical professional before trying any supplements or changing your diet, but there are options for that method of stress relief.
Suggestions:
- Supplements: Vitamin D and B
- Drink: Green Tea
- Foods: almonds, green vegetables, and dark chocolate
3. Be Active
Exercise has lots of well-known benefits, and it is a great stress reliever. I know I have already plugged the FitOn app in my Tools to Meet Your Health Goals post and my Small Changes to Boost your Health post, but it’s my go-to for exercise if you want to check it out!
Other Suggestions:
- Yoga
- Walking
- A Daily Stretch
4. Write It Out
When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, or I have a lot on my mind, I write poetry. It centers me and helps me get my thoughts in order so I can sift through my feelings or ideas or troubles. Writing is a great stress reliever that anyone can do. If poetry is not your thing, there are so many other ways.
Suggestions:
- Keep a Journal: you can use a basic notebook or use a guided journal like A Year of Self-Care Journal. Or if you don’t mind profanity, check out the Let That Sh*t Go Journal.
- Do a Bible Study: This one is a journal for your own study of the Bible, or check out this one for women that I just bought for myself.
- Write letters (even if you don’t send them)
5. Use Music
Music has the power to stir emotions and lift spirits. It’s also a great stress-reliever. Make a playlist of songs to play when you feel stressed.
Suggestions:
- Make a playlist of your favorite songs to play every day
- Choose songs to make you sing or dance to lift your mood
- Choose songs to take you to a happy place or remind you of a happy time in your life
6. Manage Your Time
One of the main causes of stress is time. When we get overwhelmed or have too much on our plate, that’s when stress is the worst. Managing your time well can not only relieve current stress but also help prevent it in the future.
Suggestions:
7. Cuddle
This one I took more from experience than from science. Cuddling just makes me feel better. If you are stressed, I highly recommend snuggling up with whatever will comfort you most.
Suggestions:
- Cuddle with a partner, with your child, or with a pet
- Snuggle up in your favorite pjs and a blanket
- Cuddle up in a comfy chair with a good book
- Relax with your favorite drink: a cup of tea or coffee or a glass of wine
8. Remove Things that Cause You Stress
Most of us, if we are honest, know the things in our lives that cause us the most stress. Today is the perfect day to begin removing those things from your life. Find tools to help manage whatever causes you stress.
Suggestions:
- Debt: If money causes you stress, check out my post on tools to help you achieve your financial goals!
- Social Media: If social media is giving you a negative headspace, consider a break, or try one of the apps in this article that may help you limit your time.
- Mess: If the mess in your home has you down, consider taking time every week for a “reset.” My friend Courtney outlines this idea in her blog and it has really helped me. She does hers on Friday, while we do Saturday morning.
9. Talk to Someone
Sometimes, the easiest way to relieve stress is to share it. At times, we feel like we have to be strong, like we have to bear our burdens and soldier on. But talking about what gives us anxiety can really help!
Suggestions:
- Ask a friend to be your “stress partner,” someone you can openly talk to about anything that bothers you.
- Consider seeing a counselor, doctor, or therapist if your stress is severe.
- Prayer is also always a good choice if you don’t want to share your thoughts with anyone else.
10. Don't Skip "You Time"
I find that I experience the most stress during times when there is no time for me. It’s so easy to get caught up in our responsibilities that we forget to be good to ourselves and make time for what we love to do. But that time is important for our emotional health and can significantly lower stress.
Suggestions:
- Invest in time for self-care practices like these
- Keep up with your hobbies
I hope some of these suggestions will help you relieve stress. What do you do when you feel anxious? Leave us a comment! Have a good day!
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