It’s not good for you and can put you in a bad mood, which can actually increase your stress. Working out regularly is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind. Make sure to get the doctor-recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. Turn the TV off earlier, dim the lights, and give yourself time to relax before going to bed. Fruits and vegetables are always good, and fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the symptoms of stress. Plus, research shows that pet owners — especially those with dogs — tend to have greater life satisfaction, better self-esteem, reduced levels of loneliness and anxiety, and more positive moods.

Ways You Can Relieve Stress Right Now

Whether you’re grateful for a sunny day or thankful you arrived at work safely, think about all the good things you have in life. It’s important to learn to talk healthy ways of coping with stress to yourself in a more realistic, compassionate manner. When you call yourself names or doubt your ability to succeed, reply with a kinder inner dialogue.

Helpful Resources From PositivePsychology.com

• We could all use a little less stress in our lives, am I right?
• Diaphragmatic breathing (or “belly breathing”) involves actively breathing into your diaphragm or abdomen, as opposed to the chest.
• Battling stress and trying to shove it down doesn’t get rid of the stressor.

If you find yourself procrastinating regularly, it may be helpful to make a to-do list organized by priority. Give yourself realistic deadlines and work your way down the list. Sometimes, adding an item to the list may help you feel better about it, even if it doesn’t get done immediately.

Help other people

• If you can’t identify the main causes of your stress, try keeping a stress journal.
• Mindfulness describes practices that anchor you to the present moment.
• Guided imagery is akin to a mind-based form of progressive muscle relaxation.
• Fortunately, there are several psychological techniques and physiological strategies that can alleviate stress.
• Inhaling essential oils may help calm the mind in times of stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Many of these stress and anxiety reduction techniques can be practiced at home, in the office, in the car, or anywhere you can find a place to sit quietly.

It may also be useful to consider whether the sport activity or video game is focused on cooperation or competition. There is nowhere to go wrong and a huge range of possible activities to choose from, anything from artistic swimming to endurance running can be an effective method of stress relief. Guided imagery is akin to a mind-based form of progressive muscle relaxation.

• This is referred to as problem-focused coping (as opposed to emotion-focused coping).
• Having supportive people in your life is the key to stress management.

Participants who planned ahead and set realistic goals enjoyed better psychological well-being. Accept that you can’t do things perfectly no matter how hard you try. This vicious cycle causes the brain and body to get out of whack and only gets worse with time. Other supplements, including Rhodiola, ashwagandha, B vitamins, and L-theanine, may also help reduce stress, though more research is needed to understand their potential benefits better.

• It can give us strength and speed to get out of a dangerous situation.
• Fruits and vegetables are always good, and fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the symptoms of stress.
• Stress reduction techniques that utilize mindfulness include meditation and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), a type of cognitive behavioral therapy.
• It can involve imagining yourself being in your “happy place”—maybe picturing yourself sitting on a beach, listening to the waves, smelling the ocean, and feeling the warm sand underneath you.
• Taking time out to relax and unwind can be an important part of our everyday routines.

Do a daily or routine meditation

We could all use a little less stress in our lives, am I right? Between everyday work stress to maintaining relationships, navigating social engagements and wrangling the kids stress, there’s more than enough stress to go around. Luckily, there are ways to ease your stress levels if you set your mind to it. You don’t have to completely alter your lifestyle to improve your ability to handle stress.

Simple ways to manage stress that will make your life better.