Everyone has those moments in which it feels as though the world is crumbling down around them from the amount of stress that builds. I, for one, am the type of person that tends to let that stress pile up until I feel ready to burst. It is not a fun feeling and it has taken a long time for me to discover ways in which I could de-stress and calm myself before I reach that breaking point.
When you're trying your best to achieve your goals and follow your dreams, there will be obstacles that can get in your way. These obstacles can sometimes lead to stress and if that stress is allowed to build it can eventually hinder your drive for success.
Here, I have compiled some of the methods that I try to do when I feel as though the stress of everyday life has become too much for me to handle.
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1. Take a Step Back and Breathe
One of the first things that I try to do as I feel the world crashing in around me is take a step back and breathe. I often physically take a step back, close my eyes, and breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth.
It has been through my experience that if I take a step back and breathe, I can think about what is stressing me from a new angle. It allows me to slow down. By controlling my breathing, I can control my thoughts, and I can take everything else one step at a time. I am able to clear my head and focus on what needs to be done.
2. Make Yourself a Cup of Tea or a Cup of Coffee
Even if it's just the aroma that soothes your nerves, brew yourself a nice hot cup of tea or coffee. Doctor your beverage just right, snuggle in on your couch or favorite chair, and breathe.
Take in that aroma and slow your thoughts. Bring your thoughts away from that stress that was bubbling at the surface and just focus on your tea or coffee. Let the warm liquid fall down your throat and focus on something else for a while.
Once you feel that you have calmed yourself to a point in which you can think rationally, and not allowing your stressful emotions to take over, think about what is stressing you out and what needs to be done to get you back on track to reaching your goals.
3. Physical Activity
Now, I'm not suggesting that you begin training to run a marathon or jump into intense body building. What I am suggesting is taking twenty to thirty minutes out of your day to do something active. It could be as simple as kicking a ball around in your backyard or going for a short run, or even doing a quick yoga session.
Exercise releases endorphins which are essentially known as "happy hormones." Ever heard of a "runner's high?" Not only will exercise distract you from your worries, it will also tend to make you happier. The brief escape from reality to workout will make you feel better physically and mentally. And once you have that break and that endorphin high, you may feel as if you can conquer anything. Take this moment to organize your thoughts and figure out what your next step will be as you aim to conquer your first challenge.
4. Play a Game
Sometimes you need to free up your mind and do something fun. This can be easily done by playing a board game with a friend or loved one, playing a card game, or even a quick video game. Whatever helps you to take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out is what is important here. The games can be as simple or as complicated as you like. You could play a game on your own or with someone. Sometimes having another person to help take your mind off of what is troubling you can be just the thing that you need. On top of that, if you are able to do something fun it can help to relax you and ultimately clear your head about everything that has been weighing down your thoughts.
5. Color or Doodle
Another thing that I have found that has helped me during stressful situations is stopping what I am doing, if able, and taking out a pad of paper or one of those adult coloring books, that are now becoming trendy, and coloring or doodling.
I find, personally, that by doing some sort of mindless activity I can calm down and process what is stressing me out so much. You can try a coloring book for kids, or adults, or doodle on your own notepad. The important thing is doing something you enjoy and something that can take your mind of what is troubling you so you can tackle it with a fresh mindset.
6. Write
I like to write when I'm feeling stress out sometimes, and my life coach says that it's good for me. I can allow myself to get lost in one of my own stories and think about something other than my own problems for a while. This allows me to step away from what is going on for just a moment before returning and facing my problems once more with a clear head and new perspective.
This writing doesn't always have to be creative. It can be reflective or something of the like. You can also write to organize your thoughts. What is bothering you? What has gotten you all wound up? Try making a list or writing out how you feel on paper. When you can read what you are thinking and what has gotten you stressed out you may be able to look at your new situation at a different angle.
Some Final Thoughts
Now, these are only a few ideas to get you started on getting through those moments when you feel the stress beginning to overwhelm you. The biggest idea that I hope you take away from this is this: Give yourself a break. It has been my experience that when I take too much on as I pursue my own dreams, I slowly wear myself down and that's when my stress begins to pile up.
Take care of yourself and give yourself the break that you deserve. Do something that makes you happy. When you do, you can allow yourself to relax and think about your goals with a calmer demeanor. And with a clear head, you can conquer the world.
Everyone is different and every person has their own method of relieving themselves of the stress that weighs one down. Find that activity that makes you feel free, can take your mind off of the obstacles in your way for the moment, and in turn makes you feel happier in the end. Take care of yourself and remain determined and you can do anything.
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