Stress is something that affects us all at some point in our lives. It can come from so many different areas in our lives, and some stressors are more intense than others.
Unfortunately, many of us don’t know how to manage stress. We hold it in, take it out on those close to us, or even let that stress influence us to engage in activities that may bring us harm and even more stress.
There’s no doubt that stress levels have increased with COVID-related events. Many people lost their jobs, businesses, and even relationships. There’s never been a more critical time to know how to control stress and keep yourself level-headed.
1. Just Breathe
Never underestimate the importance of breathing, especially when you’re in a high-stress situation. When you take deep breaths, it sends calming signals to the brain. Our fight-or-flight system can be triggered for all types of reasons which releases cortisol.There are all types of breathing techniques you can use to reduce stress and produce an overall calming effect. One of the most straightforward breathing techniques is belly breathing, which simply calls for you to put your hand on your belly as you take slow breaths in and out.
When practicing belly breathing, be mindful of your breathing and imagine yourself exhaling all of the negativity that’s affecting you.
Once you’ve mastered belly breathing, you can move onto other techniques such as the 4-7-8 method or roll breathing.
2. Think About “Right Now”
Many of us get caught up in the possible outcomes that could occur in the future. This type of thinking pattern can cause you a substantial amount of stress because you can’t control your future or predict what will happen.The best you can do is focus on the present moment––right now.
Eckhart Tolle has a great book that focuses on this concept called The Power of Now. This book describes the benefits of focusing on your life in the present moment because you have more control over the “now”.
Be present in the moment you’re experiencing and release yourself from feelings of doubt and worry. If you continue to get caught up in “what ifs”, you’ll never really find peace because you’ll always be worried.
3. Accept Things You Cannot Change
This point piggybacks off the last point in a way, but it means exactly what it says—accept the things you cannot change.Have faith in yourself and what the universe has in store for you! We’re all experiencing different journeys, so what may be for another might not work for your journey. So, know this and understand this.
If something goes wrong and you just can’t seem to get it right, take into consideration that might be what’s supposed to happen at that moment.
You’ve probably heard that everything happens for a reason, and it’s true, it does. You’ll be all stressed out about something, but later realize that it all came together in a different, but better way!
Have faith!
4. Invest in Products That Calm
Sometimes, we need a little help, and that’s okay!There are tons of products that are geared towards eliminating stress and anxiety. You could purchase an essential oil diffuser and take advantage of lavender, ylang-ylang, or any other essential oil that calms your overall senses.
Some people even get essential oil rollers and rub some on their skin to keep them calm throughout the day.
Another approach would be CBD products. CBD is well known for its calming properties, and hemp CBD is legal in the US, so you can get products delivered directly to your front door. CBD vape pens are a crowd favorite because they provide results fast.
Consumers also have the option of disposable vape pens that come ready to go out of the box or purchasing a refillable vape pen. There are a lot of flavors of CBD vape juice that range from sweet candy-like flavors to those classic strain-specific flavors like OG Kush and Pineapple Express.
5. Consider Journaling
Some might turn their nose up at the idea of journaling, thinking it’s reserved for teenage girls, but it’s honestly great for everyone!When we take the time to write out how we’re feeling, we’re able to release those emotions and any stress attached to them. Journaling can boost our mood, relieve symptoms of depression, and improve memory. It’s a great way to get all of our goals out on paper so we can formulate a plan to make it a reality.
Give it a try when you’re stressed about something, break out the pen and paper and let it all out. We’re willing to bet you’ll feel much better!
Things To Remember
These are a few steps you can take to lower stress levels if you start to feel overwhelmed. You can complete these steps to appear or use a step alone when you feel the need. And remember, you’re only as stressed as you allow yourself to be!
