We all face a certain amount of stress in our lives, some more than others. Different people deal with stress in different ways, some healthier than others. If not dealt with properly, things can get worse and could lead to anxiety, depression, and mental health issues.
You just need to find a suitable outlet to release some of that stress. Some people like to talk about their problems, others would rather just spend a quiet evening reading a book, while some prefer to see a massage therapist — different strokes for different folks.
We have listed some simple ways you can relieve yourself of stress and anxiety according to the type of stress you’re experiencing.
Acute Stress
The type of stress that you experience when an exam comes and you didn’t prepare for it. It throws you off-balance but goes away as quickly as it came with the proper response. Relaxation techniques often work when dealing with acute stress.
1. Breathing Exercises
This is perfect for acute stress because this works quickly.
2. Meditation
If breathing exercises don’t seem to work for you, take it a step further by relaxing your mind and meditating for a few minutes.
3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
PMR also allows you to calm down and collect yourself in a few minutes.
4. Reframing Perspective
Changing the way you look at things helps manage your stress.
Chronic Stress
This is the type of stress that recurs. Perhaps this is acquired in a highly stressful work environment or toxic relationship/s. This type of stress leaves you exhausted and feeling drained even if you manage to get eight hours of sleep or more regularly. If not managed well, it can lead to burnout.
5. Build and Nurture Meaningful Relationships
Building meaningful relationships gives you an emotional support system that you can turn to when you’re down.
6. Exercise Regularly
Any form of physical activity helps relieve you of stress. Look for an exercise program that works for you and commit to it.
7. Eat Healthily
Exercise and a healthy diet do more than just keep you healthy physically. It also helps you manage stress levels more effectively.
8. Listen to Music that Relaxes You
There’s a reason why it is said that music soothes the savage beast. It can tame the roughest person in the toughest situation.
Burnout
Chronic stress when prolonged and not addressed will eventually lead to burnout. This usually happens when a person no longer feels in control of his or her life. When you hit the point of getting burned out, the motivation to keep going is lost leaving you with an overwhelming sense of purposelessness.
9. Take a Break
Take a step back from work and get some time for yourself. Go on a vacation. Take your weekends off. Do not bring work home. Learn to stop.
10. Laugh More
Laughter is the best medicine. Try it. Even a smile can help brighten your day.
11. Get into a Hobby
Get into something that will distract you from the things that cause you stress. Pick up a new hobby or revive an old one.
12. Make Your Time at Work More Fun and Enjoyable
Even if you land a job that you don’t love, look for other reasons to make your every day at work enjoyable and something to look forward to.
Emotional Stress
The stress brought about by emotions can hit harder than the others and take its toll on you.
13. Talk to Someone You Trust
Talking to someone who will listen to you and not judge you is a very big help in dealing with emotional stress. Find a person that you trust and pour your heart out.
14. Put Your Thoughts down in a Journal
Some people deal with stress by putting it all down in writing. Others express themselves creatively by writing creative content. Still, others use it to help them process what they’re going through.
15. Listen to Music
Numerous studies have already proved that music is beneficial to a person’s overall well-being.
16. Intentionally Practice and Observe Mindfulness
Being mindful of your situation and your response helps keep you rooted in the present and sober-minded.
Dealing with stress depends on what makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Some techniques might work for you, others might not. What’s important is you find at least one that’s perfect for your personality and your situation.
