UPDATED 03/22/2025
How are you dealing with stress? We all experience stress and some of us handle it much better than others. Even as a former life coach, I’m not sheltered from the stress storm. Sometimes I handle it well and other times I don’t. But over the years, I’ve learned five ways to deal with it and I want to share them with you.
Dealing with Stress Means…
Keep Your Environment Clean.
When I get stressed, the first thing I do is clean. I clean the surfaces in my home, organize papers, sweep the floors, wash clothes… I do it all! Cleaning can help divert your mind from the stress you’re feeling and allows you to get something done. It might sound counterproductive to avoid that stress but after cleaning, you’ll be mentally clear and ready to deal with it. I use stress as my motivator to clean and in just an hour, I can have a sparkling bathroom and clean kitchen.
Go Pound the Pavement
Since I live in New England, going outside is always a game time decision. But if it’s nice weather, get your butt outside! Whether you go for a run or just take a walk, you’ll be able to release the stress. Pounding the pavement just means you’re moving your body and when you move, you release the toxins. And again, you get to avoid thinking about the stress for a bit to clear your head. Fitting in fitness + a more focused mind = win!
Get the Thoughts Out
I’ve always had a hard time with consistent journaling. It’s something that works for a lot of people and what I’m learning is that there isn’t a right or wrong way to journal. You can bullet journal for getting tasks done, practice morning pages to brain dump, or write down all the things you’re grateful for at night. When you’re dealing with stress, write about it and see what comes out. You may just find the answers you’re looking for.
Treat Yo Self Day
While this isn’t for everyone, treat yourself can be a nice thing every now and then. You can do a full day or have a mini moment. Traditional spas can be expensive, but if that’s your thing, you can bring the spa to you. You’ll save a TON of money but still feel like you’re experiencing luxury. When I give myself some spa treatments, I usually soak in a hot bath with Himalayan salts and crystals or a Soul CBD bath bomb, give myself a facial, and maybe even give myself a manicure. I always end up feeling refreshed, relaxed, and prettier.
Escape to Another World
No, you’re not really escaping but it would be amazing to jump on a plan and travel to Fiji. Most of us don’t have cash to do that, but you can still escape to another world by picking up a good book. My reading list includes books on personal development and growth, fiction stories, crime thrillers, and even stories about periods of time in history. Each one takes me to another place. I love reading because it gives me a chance to block out the real world for a bit (again, a little bit of avoidance) until I’m ready to deal with the stress.
These are the simple ways I deal with stress and still live my life. While stress can seem daunting, these methods can help motivate you to act. If you’re feeling stressed, choose from one of these healthy activities or something you come up with. As long as it clears your mind, gets you focused, and lifts you up, it’s almost guaranteed to help.
