20 Ways To Manage Stress

Looking to manage stress? You’ve come to the right place. Stress is a normal part of everyday life, but no one likes feeling stressed and overwhelmed. With the right mindset, there are several ways to manage and control your stress levels and recharge accordingly. Stay tuned for more!

1. Set Limits

You’re human, and you are only capable of doing so much, and going so far. Set boundaries, within reason. That means, take days off when you need to, from work. Set aside vacation time, as most companies offer, and take advantage of sick days. Everyone needs a day to relax in their sweatpants and binge watch tv shows! Be kind to yourself, and listen to what your body needs.

2. Workout

Ah, working out. Nobody really likes these tips, and I’m sure you’ve heard it a bunch by now. Exercise has so many benefits for your mental health, I’m not sure where to start. Physical movement and other activities associated with working out produce endorphins in your brain. These chemicals released in the brain is a natural method to soothe nerves, ease stress, and essentially, make you happy. Many studies have also shown that exercise can improve how you sleep, thus making you feel more energized throughout the day.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Similar to working out, nobody likes to hear this. I’m sorry! Just hear me out, because getting enough sleep can have a profound impact on your work performance, overall energy levels, as well as mindset. I know that the hours of sleep recommended per night is 8, you can get 7 and still feel fine. Feeling more energized throughout the day at work or school will help you feel less stressed, having more energy allows you to get more done, and make the most of your day, without fighting the feeling of fatigue.

4. Find Your Sweet Spot

Everyone needs to do things that they enjoy, to relax and decompress. A good way to manage stress is by finding outlets for relief. Go for a run, hang out with friends, or find a soothing hobby. Maybe even take a bubble bath. Life has its ups and downs, but taking time for self-care is always important!

5. Be Reasonable

There are many ways to manage stress. One of the most helpful is to be realistic. If you are taking 5 classes, playing a sport, and have bit off more than you can chew, maybe it is ideal to take a step back. Ask yourself what you are capable of doing and what you aren’t. This doesn’t mean to redesign your lifestyle, but rather, make a plan. Maybe Sundays are for homework so that you can have fun on Friday and Saturday nights. Perfectly fine! Life is about finding a balance, and doing what works for you.

6. Write It Out

One of the best ways to keep stress levels down is by writing it down. Keep a diary! Maybe you’ll find a pattern or something that consistently bothers you. Whatever the case may be, writing can be an outlet for relief, and it certainly is for me!

7. Connect

Another way to manage your stress level is by forming and maintaining strong relationships. It can be easy to feel sad, stressed and overwhelmed when and if we feel alone. It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone, and it’s OK to lean on friends and family for support!

8. Health Nut

There are numerous studies indicating that the way we eat has an impact on how we feel. That after lunch feeling of fullness and fatigue is not only from a full meal but also has to do with what we eat. If you are eating lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and other foods to fuel your body, you’ll feel less tired. If you have a long day at work or school ahead of you, pack nuts, low-fat yogurts, fruit, and something for protein. A banana with peanut butter is a great snack, and the protein will leave you feeling full!

9. Try Meditation

I know that when we are stressed, many of us want to feel immediate relief. Unfortunately, stress doesn’t seem to go away that fast. I wish! However, spending time on your mental health and overall well being is worth your time. In my wellness class, our professor had us practice a quick meditation video, and talk about the results. It’s really interesting, and meditation can really change how we feel!

10. Cut Out You Time

It is important and healthy to spend time alone sometimes, and if you are feeling stressed, its ok to be alone. It isn’t healthy to shut people out, but a night alone, or simply wanting an hour by yourself a day is reasonable and can help you recharge. Maybe go somewhere to read a book, go for a walk, or even go for a drive in the car.

11. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the awareness of your surroundings, focusing on your thoughts. Focusing on your surroundings in a room such as smell, colors, and what is going on around you, can help keep you centered at the moment and relieve anxiety.

12. Vent

Another way to manage stress is by venting, talking, and confiding in someone. This could be over text, talking with a co-worker, or on the phone with a friend. It is important to identify what is causing you stress so that you can deal with it accordingly, and find the proper solution. This all starts with communication!

13. Drawing

This tip may seem unfitting. Trust me, coloring in those color books are almost designed for stress relief purposes. I used to buy coloring books at Target with pictures of flowers, and color them in to make such a pretty picture. You have a pretty decoration, and also an immediate fix for your stress!

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14. Look For Adjustments

We all have things in life that stress us out more than others. For instance, working a customer service job is like a bad stomachache. We all know that. If you are consistently stressed and burdened by such a job, it’s ok to take a step back and look for something else. Try babysitting or other independent jobs that are compatible with student schedules.

15. Avoid Too Much Drinking

Ha, this is funny. Especially because most of us who are reading this are in college. Okay, so you don’t have to cut out alcohol, but try to drink once or twice a week, and stay within your limits. Don’t go overboard, because alcohol has been known to exacerbate the effects of stress and depression-related thoughts. Have fun, but be reasonable!

16. Create A Schedule

This tip is best for college students. With college as a major source of our stress, it is important to develop a routine and make a schedule. Maybe you have work on weekends, fine, just cut out time during the week for academics: and stick to it. This will help you feel less overwhelmed because you have planned when you can get things done!

17. Adjust Your Attitude

Having a positive mindset can really help with stress reduction. Feeling like you aren’t excited about anything is normal from time to time, but try to force yourself to focus on what you are happy and grateful for in your life.

18. Take Advantage

As many of us are in college, one huge stress relief for me was going to tutoring. This will help you feel more productive, and you can actually get homework done there as well. Take advantage of the schools’ many resources, like counseling, tutoring, office hours, and other options that are there for you to succeed.

19. Girl Time

When managing your stress, its important for some girl time! Get together with a few close friends and just talk. Talk about life, your work, and your problems. We all need to do that sometimes, and girls love to talk.

20. Practice Deep Breaths

Slowing our breathing when we are stressed can be very beneficial. Slow down, and focus on your breath. It can really help you calm down!