If you’ve found your way here, life probably feels like too much right now. You’re keeping everything going, but inside you’re running on empty. The last thing you need is another long list of things to do, so I won’t give you one. Instead, here are a few simple ways to manage stress. You don’t need to try them all. Just pick the one that feels doable and start there.
Ways to manage stress
Here are some of my favourite ways to manage stress:
Get out in nature
Being out in nature reduces our stress levels and improves our sleep. A blast of fresh air also helps to clear your head helping you to feel more focused and productive. It doesn’t have to take long, so if you’re short of time, a ten minute blast will do
Move your body
Being more active not only reduces stress, it helps you to feel calmer, improves sleep, reduces fatigue, improves alertness and concentration. There’s no right or wrong here and it doesn’t have to take long, just do what works for you. A quick walk, some stretching, a dance around your kitchen! Just move your body!
Find moments of calm
Try a short meditation or practice some different breathing techniques. It can be as simple as taking some long slow deep breaths. Scientific studies have shown that controlling your breathing can help to reduce stress.
Prioritise sleep
Establish a bedtime routine, go to bed at the same time each night to improve rest, focus, and recovery. Turn screens off at least one hour before bed
Limit Screen & Scrolling Time
Scrolling can quietly drain us. We lose track of time, we end up comparing ourselves with what everyone else is doing, and we’re left with less space to rest. You don’t have to give it up completely. Even a small change can help, like keeping your phone out of reach for the first hour of the day, or having screen-free time in the evening.
What it can give you:
- More time in the present moment
- Better sleep
- Deeper connections with the people around you
- A calmer, clearer head
Know your limits and stick to them
When we recognise our limitations we are able to take small steps every day to honour them. When we honour them we feel less overwhelmed and therefore less stressed.
For example you can:
- Say no
- Stick to your boundaries
- Delegate tasks
- Ask for help
Journaling
A racing mind is a common sign of stress, one of the most powerful things I have ever done to calm my mind is journal. It only takes a few minutes each day. Try these prompts:
What am I thinking?
How am I feeling?
Don’t overthink what you are writing, just let the pen flow, you may be surprised what comes out!
Connection and support
If you’re really struggling then reach out and ask for help.
Professional support is available
Even talking to a friend, family member or trusted colleague will help, you might be surprised how many others feel the same way and are secretly suffering themselves.
REMEMBER
There is no right or wrong.
There is no one size fits all.
It’s about finding what works for you.
So be prepared for a period of trial error, if something doesn’t work, don’t get hung up on it, just let it go, move on and try something else.
At the same time, you need try these things more than once to find out if the really work!
Here’s something else that might help
10 Things To Stop Doing When You Feel Overwhelmed.
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