UPDATED 04/18/2025
The Universe have a funny way of doing things. Today is National Stress Awareness Day and while we should be focusing on our stress management, we’re focusing on the election. Yes, it just so happens yesterday was the United States Presidential Election. I’d say She has a sense of humor.
So far in 2020, we’ve been through a lot.
- A worldwide pandemic
- COVID-19
- Many losing our jobs, our loved ones, and (in some cases) our sanity
- Having to postpone special events, like weddings, anniversaries, and vacations
- The loneliness from not being able to physically see each other
I’m sure there’s even more that should be added to that list, but instead of focusing on the negative today, I want to help you get through the rest of this year. But I just need you to promise me one thing… For the rest of the year, before getting worked up, take a breath. That, my friends, is stress management tip #1!
Seriously, though. When you start to feel stressed, before you do anything, take a breath. Studies have shown that the simple act of breathing can change our mindset and the physical functions that happen in our body that increase our stress levels. So you promise you’ll do this, right? Ok, now that you’ve agreed to doing this small act, here are the other stress management tips I want you to know about.
First, I want you to learn about your triggers. I recorded a whole podcast you can listen to about triggers. These are the things that make you feel stressed, anxious, and emotional. For me, a negative outlook on life is a stressor. Not necessarily me having the negative outlook, but other people that are around me. If I’m with people that only think the worst and crab about everything, all I hear is negativity and that’s when I start to feel dark and depressed. I now try to stick to being around people that only have positive vibes as much as I can. Another trigger for me is clutter. When I see it, I immediately want to start cleaning and I feel like I have to clean until the environment perfect.
You might have triggers like me or your triggers may be different. But I want you to find out what they are. Start paying attention to your daily routine and what happens to and for you. If it helps, create a note on your phone so you can jot things down while you’re on the go. Knowing and understanding your triggers will help you avoid or reduce them and ultimately reduce your stress.
Second, I want you to find a practice that you can do after you experience stress. You could call it a spiritual practice, a mental health practice, or a physical practice. It honestly doesn’t matter what you call it. What does matter is that you have a stress management practice in place for after you’ve experienced stress. I take a hot CBD bath using a CBD bath bomb or go for a walk outside. Both of those experiences help clear my mind, reset my heart, and allow me to focus my priorities again. Some other ideas you could try out include meditating, journaling, cooking, going for a run, or doing a little retail therapy. The point of this practice is it will help lift your spirits and make you feel like yourself again.
The last stress management tip is this: have a few friends that you can turn to. These friends should be ones that can talk you off the ledge, help you get your head straight, and calm down. As I’ve gotten older, my circle of friends has gotten smaller yet stronger. They don’t pass judgement, will give me a shoulder to cry on, and are there to sit in silence with me if I need it. Like you do with your triggers, create a note on your phone so you can list out the names of friends you can call when you need them. Regardless of how you keep track of these individuals, stay in touch with them because you both need each other.
Now it’s your turn. What tips do you have to help reduce your stress?
