Over the past two years, I’ve learned how to manage stress pretty well. This doesn’t mean that I don’t have occasional worries. The difference now is that I don’t dwell on things that I can’t control. This has taken a lot of time, effort, and maturity and it’s still a work in progress! If you’re constantly worrying, then you’re not living life to the fullest.
If you maximize your day with tasks that bring value, you’ll notice that you don’t have time to sit around and think negatively for too long. Watching the news is one of the worst past times and it causes people to become anxious. It creates unnecessary fear and emotional fatigue, not to mention pessimism and the belief that the world is worse than it is. Here are tasks that I perform consistently in order to stay focused and grounded:
Exercise: This is my number one go-to. I can’t live without it now and I have learned to do some form of activity every day. I lift weights five days per week and walk daily. I prefer to walk outside, but I have no problem hopping on the treadmill at home or in the office. As long as you’re moving your body each day, then you’re doing better than the average American who oftentimes live sedentary lives.
Hobbies: I started playing guitar in May 2023 and it’s been an amazing hobby. It’s challenging being a beginner, but giving up is not an option. My lesson is once a week and I rarely miss it. Playing an instrument is known to flex the brain and is considered a stress-reliever. The consistency of practicing each day really improves your chances of faster progression with the instrument. I also own a 4-wheeler quad that is so much fun. It makes me feel like a kid again and I’m looking forward to riding with my kids this spring! It’s another reason to get outside. Find a hobby that you enjoy instead of mindless scrolling on your phone.
Nature: One of the best ways to improve your mood is to spend time in nature. There’s no alternative to fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. Living in the north makes it difficult when it’s really cold outside, but I still try to take walks a few times per week. Walking with somebody is a bonus. Add your walks to your calendar and you’re more likely to make it happen even if the weather isn’t ideal.
Call someone: I have a few people on speed dial that I talk to regularly. You only need a couple of individuals in your life that you can confide in and that can bring you a sense of calm. It’s important to have these connections for difficult times and knowing you have a solid support system is key.
Journal or practice gratitude: If you wake up feeling grateful, you’ll set yourself up with a positive mindset for the day. Focus on the little things that bring happiness. For me it’s my coffee, a morning text from my dad, and my favorite music. Of course there are many other things that I appreciate. Being grateful isn’t always about enjoying material items.
Organize something or declutter: If you’re buying bins to store more stuff, then you probably own too many possessions. There’s nothing better than getting rid of items that no longer bring value. The easiest things to remove are those that don’t fit, are broken, or you don’t even like any longer. Getting organized makes it much easier to find things you already own. Our culture is obsessed with buying things we don’t need. Letting go of possessions is liberating. Focus on spending your time and money on experiences rather than tangible items.
Music: I tend to listen to the same play lists over and over, but I thoroughly enjoy them. They consist of my favorite songs of various genres, and I can easily go from heavy metal to Christian music in an instance. I do add new songs occasionally, but they have to be really good in order to make it on my playlist. There is something amazing about music and how it brings people together and will often present an array of memories. A song can take you back to a particular time or place and leave you with a feeling of nostalgia.
Take a trip: Being adventurous and going somewhere by yourself is a great way to learn self-discovery. This self-care technique builds confidence and teaches how to immerse yourself in the experience. Exploring a new city will sharpen your decision-making skills as you are exposed to new challenges. It doesn’t have to be a weeklong vacation. Weekend trips are the perfect getaways and are just enough time to decompress.
Meditation/Prayer/Church: My goal is to go to church twice a month. I enjoy the experience, and it keeps me in check. I meditate most mornings and recite positive affirmations to keep me locked into a positive mindset. Reading a short prayer each day helps me maintain a sense of spiritual connection.
All of these stress relievers can help improve your mood which can lead to better sleep. You have to have a purpose in life besides career, family, and housework. Fill your day with things you love to do and that bring you a sense of accomplishment. Start out getting in the best shape of your life so you feel amazing each day. Lowering your stress level will improve your mental and physical health. Work on yourself every day! Leave a comment below on your stress lowering tactics.
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