5 Ways to Confidently Combat Stress
Life can throw us curve balls and when these challenges arise, our stress levels are often triggered. Stress can negatively affect our overall well being and ultimately our confidence causing us to doubt ourselves. So how can we confidently manage our stress when life is just so unpredictable?
Here are our favorite tips for handling stress, which will help you live a happier, healthier, and more confident life.
1. Exercise, eat well & sleep!
Sounds simple, right? But life gets busy and our physical well being often gets put on the back burner. Our bodies fuel our mental state so it’s important that they are in alignment. Exercising and eating well helps you get rid of excess stress hormones. Exercise also has a direct impact on your sleep, and quality sleep will better help you combat stress. Take the time to come up with a plan so that you can prioritize your physical well being. Remember, a little self-care can go a long way!
2. Practice relaxation techniques
When feeling stressed, a quick way to calm down is to try some relaxation methods. Implementing a breathing practice is at the top of our list and can be highly effective. To do this, envision a calming color as you inhale and then a darker color as you slowly exhale. Imagine the stress exiting your body. You can even listen to soothing music and light your favorite scented candle to set the tone for a relaxing mood. Make this a habit when feeling stressed and you’ll be able to better handle your stress with confidence.
3. Talk it out
Everyone deals with stress and many times it’s best to connect with others about it. Don’t be afraid to lean on friends and family and ask for help. Oftentimes, simply the act of talking about your stress helps bring clarity and relief. Added bonuses: opening up to others will help you form deeper connections and it can also bring a sense of comfort knowing that you’re not alone.
4. Have fun
Sometimes we all need to just let loose and have fun. Spend more time with whoever or whatever makes you laugh. Watch more funny shows, pick up a hobby, and intentionally seek out things that bring joy to your life. Doing things that you enjoy daily will help you relax and release those pesky stress hormones.
5. Detach yourself
When feeling overly stressed, try taking a time out. Detach yourself and get away from it all. Even if it’s just a short walk outside to breathe in some fresh air, do it. This will help you reset your mind, collect your thoughts and gain perspective. If you can’t detach yourself completely, try taking a break from technology and social media. This is a great first step in combating your stress, as these outlets can be triggering during a stressful time. So take a step back, focus on gratitude, and be optimistic and confident about your abilities to get through a stressful period.
Next time you’re having a stressful day, come back to these strategies. As you practice implementing them, the more you’ll trust your abilities and build your confidence to handle any stressful situation. You’ll feel more in control and ready to take on whatever life throws at you next!