Balancing life and work can be a little hectic, especially with the holidays fast approaching. We’re thinking about what gifts to buy or what food to prepare while dealing with compounding work at the office. We’re losing sleep, can’t focus, and always feel exhausted.

When you experience these feelings, you are physically and emotionally stressed. Now’s the perfect time to relax, to take a step back, and to practice mindful breathing.

We celebrate National Stress Awareness Day every year on the first Wednesday of November. We must know what triggers stress and how to manage it to improve our mental health.

Experts say it’s our bodies’ normal reaction to living and pressures. Verywell Health defines stress as any “physical, mental, or emotional response to any challenging situation.”

Stress comes in different shapes and sizes. Picking the perfect shoes to pair with your dress can be stressful. In all seriousness, other forms of stress can be so exhausting that it can mess with our everyday life. 

Not sure if you’re stressed? Here are symptoms you need to know.

1. Anxiety
2. Teeth grinding
3. Headaches
4. Trouble concentrating
5. Fatigue
6. Stomach problems

Life can be overwhelming with work deadlines, family responsibilities, and everything else in between. We may think stress is taking over our lives, and we may spiral out of control. Stress can cramp our decision-making and thinking abilities. But remember, we have power over the things that stress us.

Stress management allows us to break free from stress and help us live a happier, healthier, and more productive life. 

There’s no one right path to manage our stress. As the saying goes, “different strokes for different folks.” That’s why we’ve gathered several stress management tips so you can find the best techniques that suit you.

Yes, let’s face it. As much as we’re having fun on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, it’s better for us to take a social media break once in a while. With all the constant updates, the FOMO, and all the trends, social media apps have been one of the leading sources of stress. 

Instead, read the book on your TBR pile or visit a park or an arboretum.

This is a great way to decompress after a long day at work. Meditation reconnects you with yourself and disconnects you from your stressors. There are several online resources if you’re interested.

Learn to take care of your mental health.

An amazing way to relax for a few moments is practicing deep breathing. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, and exhale through your mouth for six seconds. This practice helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Read our blog on recovering and recharging after spring break.

Being a part of a community - at work, church, local organizations, or sports teams - raises our well-being. This builds a sense of camaraderie and builds relationships and a support group outside of the family.

It sounds simple, but we often forget about living a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and nutrition come hand-in-hand when it comes to combating stress. Healthy body, healthy mind. Physical movement, whether walking, playing a sport, or practicing yoga, reduces stress and improves quality of life. A proper diet and consuming nutritious meals re-energize and replenish us.

Psych yourself up with these workout jams.

Learn how to make exercise a habit.

It sounds fancy and pricey, but using water, ice, or steam provides positive results for our health. A warm bath, a few minutes in the steam room, a swim session, and a cold shower. We’ve all seen athletes doing ice bucket challenges or plunging in ice baths. Hydrotherapy can be done at home, while on vacation, or a spa visit on the weekends.

Whether listening to music or playing an instrument, music plays a crucial role in our health. Feeling stressed at work? Create a playlist of your favorite jams. Singing along or dancing to the tunes is associated with reduced stress.

Bring out the canvas! It’s time to paint. Maybe your medium of choice can be crayons, watercolors, or the good ’ol pen and paper for some poetry. Art therapy helps you experience and learn new ways to express your thoughts or to relieve stress.

If you’ve gotten a massage, you probably know how relaxing and stress-relieving this therapy can be. For those who have not experienced getting a massage, there are several types to choose from: Thai, deep tissue, shiatsu, Swedish, hot stone, and many more. Try a couple of massages and decide which one is best for you.

References:

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-reduce-stress-5207327
2. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/5-tips-to-manage-stress
3. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/about/copingwith-stresstips.html
4. https://whatsupusana.com/2020/08/stress-management-101/
5. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
6. https://www.theriverofcalm.com/news/the-ultimate-guide-to-stress-management-95