What To Do When Life Is Stressing You Out

There may come a time when you find yourself rushing around from one activity to the next and feeling a bit overwhelmed. It’s good that you recognise this but even more important that you do something about it.

Here are some tips on what to do when life is stressing you out and you need a reset. What you don’t want to do is ignore the situation and your feelings and allow the stress to build up even more over time without addressing it. Instead, put this advice into action so you can regroup and get back on your feet ready to shine and be your best self.

Re-Evaluate Your Lifestyle & Goals

Start by re-evaluating your lifestyle and goals when life is stressing you out. Identify the main culprits and focus on problem-solving instead of complaining or ruminating. It may be that you’re working long hours, not taking good care of yourself, or have too lofty or not enough goals in place. If you’re overdoing it and burning the candle at both ends then it may be time to make a change and start saying no more often. Shift your goals and focus so that you’re concentrating on a few initiatives and doing more of what makes you happy. It may also be a good time to review what you’re grateful for and not allow yourself to dwell on what’s lacking or the negative.

Pack Your Bags & Let Loose by Travelling

If you’re feeling stressed out then it may be a good time to take some days off of work and travel. Travelling offers many benefits including allowing you to reduce your stress and find yourself again. Pack your bags and go somewhere you can let loose and won’t be judged for your actions such as by visiting and staying in De Wallen. Travelling to a new and different location is a great way to get a break from your normal routine and responsibilities and go exploring so you can have some fun. You’ll return home feeling refreshed and have a new perspective on life once you are able to have a good time and put your worries aside for a little while.

Indulge in Self-Care

One of the best ways to combat stress is to take better care of yourself. Turn the focus on yourself and indulge in self-care activities daily and regularly. It may be that you have a spa day, spend the afternoon reading a good book, or go for a long walk or hike with your dog. Choose activities that help you feel great and allow you to clear your mind and decompress. Practicing self-care offers many benefits such as boosting happiness, and most importantly, reducing stress and anxiety. Get into a routine and stick with it so that it becomes a habit and a way of life.

Watch Something Funny

Sometimes laughter and humour are the best medicine, especially if you’re feeling stressed out with life. Turn on the television and watch a funny TV show or put on a funny movie and sit back and be entertained for a while. Another idea is to hop on your computer and look up some funny videos online. Laughing and seeing other people smiling and joking around will instantly lift your mood. It’s an effective way to increase the endorphins in your brain and get your mind to shift to a different and more humourous topic.

Hit the Gym

Another approach when life is stressing you out is to get moving and break a sweat. Hit the gym and engage in a tough workout and some exercise to help you reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. Mix it up by doing some weight lifting and cardio some days and other days taking a group class with other people. Exercising is one of the most productive and effective ways to boost your mood and release negative emotions and tension. When you don’t feel like working out is likely the time you should do it the most since you’re going to feel great after you are finished. Exercise is good for you and it can help you maintain a healthy weight so that you feel confident in your own skin.

Connect with Friends & Family

When you’re thinking about what you can do when life is stressing you out, it may be a good time to nurture your relationships with others. Spend time connecting with friends and family and sharing about what’s going on in each of your lives. Call up an old friend and have coffee or a conversation on the phone and notice how good you feel after reconnecting. Make time for the people you like being with and who can lift your spirits and make you feel loved. It’s important to have people you can count on and depend on when you are looking for support and encouragement.

Choose Healthy Foods

Focus on nourishing your body whenever you feel stressed out with life. It can be tempting to want to grab candy or chocolate as a way to cope with your emotions but doing so will likely leave you feeling lousy and worse off. Choose to eat a healthy diet so that you can feel your best and stay mentally and physically well. The foods you eat can impact your mood, weight, and energy levels. Therefore, it is wise to be picky about what you’re putting into your body and your portion sizes. Cooking at home can also be a mindful and relaxing activity if you want to tackle a new or favourite recipe in your free time. Avoid junk food at this time because it can make you feel worse and sluggish.

Meditate & Breathe Deeply

Take some deep breaths and walk away from a situation that is stressing you out. Instead of continuing down the busy path you’re currently on, take some time for yourself instead. When life is stressful then consider participating in a guided meditation. It’s an excellent way to slow racing thoughts and will help you feel more centered and grounded in no time. The combination of deep breathing exercises with some meditation and yoga is the perfect formula for getting you through tough times and finding more balance in your life.

Talk or Write it Out

What you should avoid if you’re stressed out is holding in your feelings and emotions and trying to solve your problems on your own. Instead, consider talking through what’s on your mind with a friend, family member, or therapist. If you don’t feel like talking or aren’t ready to open up and share your feelings, then you can always write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. You’ll see what’s bothering you on paper and can begin to problem-solve your way through these items instead of dwelling on them. It’s a good idea to keep a journal for many reasons including that it can help you find inspiration and motivation, boost your self-confidence, and allows you to reduce stress and anxiety in a healthy manner.  

Spend Time in Nature

If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed and anxious then step outside and breathe in the fresh air. Feel the sunshine on your face and take in the beautiful sights that surround you. Whenever life is stressful or starts to frustrate you then spend some time in nature. Nature can be very healing and beneficial for your mental health. Not only will you return home with a clear head but walking and moving outdoors is a great way to get some exercise. Being in nature will increase feelings of calmness and reduce any irritability you’re feeling. It can restore your attention and concentration and boost endorphin levels almost instantly.

Take A Break & Get Good Sleep

Don’t be afraid to take a break and step back from your schedule and routine if you’re feeling too much stress currently. Remove yourself from the situation and spend time resting and giving yourself a break in this case. Stick to a relaxing bedtime routine and try to stay on a sleep schedule so that you can wake up feeling good even if life is overwhelming. Consider taking breaks away from technology and your electronics as well so that you can truly focus on yourself and your health right now. Rest and sleep can restore your mind and body and help you feel re-energized and excited about life again.

Conclusion

It’s not your fault if you’re feeling stressed out by life. However, you do have the power to cope with it and make changes that will have a positive impact on your wellbeing. A little stress is normal and a good thing but you don’t want it to get out of hand either. Therefore, stay ahead of it and be aware of it as it starts to increase so you can put these measures in place and begin to reduce and manage it effectively. It won’t be long before you can successfully turn your attitude, mindset, and energy levels around for the better and move forward with a positive outlook.