EXERCISE
I remember the days that exercise was a chore for me and was something I had to be very disciplined about, but now it’s one of my favorite ways to relieve stress. There’s just something about being able to pound out my frustrations on inanimate objects — whether it be gym equipment or the pavement — that feels so freeing, but it wasn't a habit that formed overnight. Starting small will likely be the key to integrating exercise as a stress reliever.
Take a bath
I feel like this is the typical self-care image — taking a bath, maybe pampering yourself with a face mask, a soothing beverage in hand, a candle burning somewhere… but as stereotypical as it may be, don't write it off. If you're like me, it might be the only time you truly get to relax without distractions and allow yourself to let go of the day or find other ways to cope with it.
Positivity & gratitude
Positive self-talk is a growing trend, but it still requires intentionality. It tends to be easier to dwell on the negative, so that's why affirmations and gratitude are going to be one of the best practices for you to work into your daily routine. Of course, it's not going to make "the bad" magically disappear, but it helps to shift your focus onto your blessings and your strengths.
Acknowledge your level of control
Most events are often times situations that are out of our control, even if they’re a result of our actions. Whatever comes of it ultimately ends up being out of our hands; the sooner we're able to realize that we can only control ourselves and how we choose to handle the situation, the better off we'll be. Realizing how much control we genuinely have over a situation helps to remove the expectation that we are 100% responsible for fixing whatever is wrong. Acknowledge your part and where you actually have control, and do your best to let go from there.
Get a good laugh in
I, personally, find my best moods whenever I can turn up some music and dance around like an idiot — even more so if I'm doing my hair or makeup at the same time. There's something about letting loose and goofing off. Of course, you can find laughs in other ways: hanging out with friends, watching TikToks, watching a sitcom or standup routine... regardless of what you do, laughter truly is the best medicine. Side note: my boyfriend helped me realize the other day there's no way to keep a straight face with "What Does the Fox Say" playing.
Yoga & stretching
I hold most of my stress in my upper body, namely my neck and shoulders, and working a stretch session into routine helps me physically and emotionally let loose. I never realize how tense my muscles are or how shallowly I've breathing when I’m stressed until I stretch and focus on some breathing exercises. Flexibility is an important part of your physical wellness, so it's important to include it whenever and wherever you can.
Get a good night’s sleep
Sleep hygiene is going to need a whole post of its own, but getting sufficient sleep is probably a fairly obvious solution. "Studies have shown that even partial sleep deprivation has a significant effect on mood. University of Pennsylvania researchers found that subjects who were limited to only 4.5 hours of sleep a night for one week reported feeling more stressed, angry, sad, and mentally exhausted. When the subjects resumed normal sleep, they reported a dramatic improvement in mood" (Harvard, 2008). Reduce exposure to blue light, read a book, do your yoga, drink some herbal tea, put your phone on "do not disturb," turn off all lights... do whatever helps you get some good quality sleep so you can re assess your stressors with a fresh mind.
