I used to think I never struggled that much with stress or anxiety. Day to day I felt fine and level headed, but then I would randomly, out of no where, get stomach cramps until I was sick or get overwhelmed and be super emotionally burnt out.
Often I would get like this when I stopped and took a break (which was sometimes during holidays… bad timing). I used to think these events were isolated and unrelated to what’s happening to my life and more tied to my diet etc.
I was confused as I felt like I had a “handle” on life pretty well. But after researching and discovering more about stress and the effects it has, I found I wasn’t dealing with my day to day stresses.
From becoming more self-aware of what I think about, I realised the more stressed I felt, the more I would negatively self-talk and become more insecure. So I’ve become motivated to put in the effort every day to implement ways to reduce stress.
These five tips are great ways to manage your stress.
1. Practise breathwork
Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, breathe out through your mouth for 8 seconds. Every time morning, any time I’m feeling overwhelmed, and every night before bed I try to implement this
2. Stretch your body
Every morning and evening I try to stretch my body, whether that be simple stretches or yoga. It increases blood flow, oxygen and relaxes your body.
3. Wake up earlier and implement a morning routine
Every day that I set an alarm and have a routine to go by, I am a lot more productive and emotionally feel a lot clearer through the day. Think of it as your own personal briefing time each day.
4. Start a new project
Investing time into a project is a great way to reduce stress and unwind. Start a garden, learn a language, bake something or create some art.
5. Journal
Writing everything out that’s on your mind before bed helps clear your mind for a peaceful night’s sleep.
