Stress in an inevitable part of life. It comes and goes at the worst of times. Unfortunately, it can be a hindrance by decreasing productivity levels, increasing anxiety, and lowering our overall mood. However, I have some great news for you! There are countless stress management techniques that actually work! They range between self-care practices to integrating healthy routines into your everyday life. Using a few of these techniques can be a complete game changer and I am so excited for you to try them out! So, let’s dive right in.
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What is Stress?
Actually, before we dive right in, let’s all get on the same page by starting from the very beginning. What actually is stress? Most people probably have a pretty good grasp on what it is, but I want it written out, plain and simple. Stress has numerous definitions and is actually an incredibly complex and subjective term. However, the dictionary defines it as: a form of mental strain caused from opposing, hostile, or challenging situations (although the American Institute of Stress has a much better definition, though more complicated). No matter which way you look at it, stress is almost always detrimental to mental health, and can cause serious problems, including anger, fatigue, anxiety, and long term health problems.
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If you’re struggling with intense stress levels and are worried about your mental health, please talk with your health care provider and research more about it (HERE is a great resource to start with). Also note that I am not a health care professional and all of these opinions are my own. I deal with stress all the time, and these techniques work for me, but may not work for you.
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24 Stress Management Techniques to Try Out
Now that we know what stress is, how can we begin to decrease it? First, recognize that EVERYONE deals with stress throughout his or her life. Actually, some stress isn’t even bad for you (such as fight or flight)! Unfortunately, long-term stress can lead to future health problems, so practicing regular stress management techniques is incredibly important. Below, I have listed out 24 of my personal favorite stress management techniques that I frequently use. Some help more than others, but as a whole, I have seen huge changes in my health, overall mood, energy levels and productivity by regularly practicing them. Let’s check them out!
1. Create a killer productivity system
My first and favorite stress management technique is a useful productivity system. Each person is incredibly different in how they manage their time and tasks, but in almost all cases, they can be improved in some way or another. Furthermore, once they become dull, be sure to switch your systems up so they continue to work for you!
Because productivity systems can become dull, I have created an awesome student printable planner, with over 50 layouts, worksheets, templates, checklists, and so much more! Check it out!
Related: Organize Your Life with the Only Student Printable Planner You’ll Ever Need in School
Here are some great productivity resources you might find helpful:
- 17 Tips for Successful Planner Organization
- How to Plan Your Week for Success – A Step-by-Step Guide
- The Ultimate Guide to Bullet Journaling
- The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Your To Do List 54 Life Changing Tips!
- Discover 10 New Secrets for College Productivity
- 13 Time Management Tips to Explode Your Productivity
- Master the Project Planning Process in 10 Easy Steps
2. Self Care Prioritization
Taking care of yourself is vital to creating a healthy and less stressful life. The importance here is that you make self-care a priority. If you’re having a problem with this, perhaps try adding it to your to-do list. Or even blocking out a day or half day each week to just focus on yourself and your mental health. This could mean planning a small adventure each week, taking a long bubble bath, or just dedicating some time for something else on this list.
3. Journal
Journaling is so incredibly overlooked and underrated. Once you begin journaling regularly, a weight just lifts off of your shoulders. Writing down all of your worries or just daily struggles can help lift the burden and really look at your struggles form a different angle. If you’re looking for a great journal, check this bullet journal out! It is perfect for both productivity and personal journaling (and check out the creators book on how to use it to it’s fullest potential!)
Related: A Complete Guide to Junk Journaling: How to Combine Your Journal with Your Scrapbook
4. Read
Adding reading into your daily routine (perhaps every day before bed or listening to an audiobook on your commute) is an easy way to gain some useful knowledge or simply detach yourself from reality for a short time. As a motivator, challenge yourself to finish one or two books a month and reward yourself at the end of the year! If you don’t know what books to start with, check out my current book list HERE.
Related: 21 Life-Changing Books for 20-Something’s (that will teach you everything school didn’t!)
5. Meditate
Next, let’s talk meditation. This simple and rewarding task may take some practice to get used to, but can be an incredibly useful stress management technique that can be practiced anywhere and anytime. If you haven’t meditated before, or find it difficult, I highly recommend trying out the Headspace App and reading this amazing resource.
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6. Practice deep breathing
If you are in a pinch and don’t quite have time for a full meditation session, practice some deep breathing exercises. Actually, the Headspace App has a few 60-second or 3-minute deep breathing exercises that are incredibly useful and work really well.
7. Exercise
If you don’t already, working out regularly may be the biggest game changer you try. If you already are working out most days, increase your intensity and see the stress just melt away. Many health care providers (and numerous scientific research studies for that matter) argue that exercise is one of the best stress management techniques out there. Plus, there are countless other health benefits including better sleep, weight management, and increased heart health.
8. Practice yoga
Yoga is another great way to manage stress. It is also a great way to pair your exercise with stretching and meditation. One easy way to integrate all three into your life is to end each workout sesh with a quick yoga flow, followed by some meditation. This will help loosen up your muscles and clear your mind. Yoga is incredibly easy to get into, all you need is a simple yoga mat and some clear instructions and you will be well on your way (this book is a great resource too!).
9. Create realistic goals for yourself
One source of stress can come from the inability to reach your goals. This can also lead to burnout. To bypass this problem, be sure that you are setting realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Make sure they are challenging enough to push yourself, but not so challenging you’ll never accomplish them.
Related: 17 Ways to Avoid College Burnout
10. Visualize your goals
Speaking of goals, another great stress management technique and motivational tool is to visualize your goals daily. This can be done during your meditation session, in your morning shower, or just a quick reminder of your goals right as you are waking up for the day. In his book The Miracle Morning, Hal Elrod explains that visualizing your goals everyday can lead to major success!
Related: Achieve Your Long-Term Goals in 8 Simple Steps (+Freebie!)
11. Create a motivational vision board
Using a vision board is a great way to visualize your goals and is another great source of motivation. A vision board is a small poster, framed collage, or desktop background full of photos that symbolize your goals and aspirations. These photos can range from your dream house and dream career to future vacation destination and photos of your family. Be sure to keep it up to date and in a place where you can see it everyday!
Related: The Ultimate 9-Step Simple Guide to Creating the Perfect Vision Board (That Actually Works!)
12. Reflect on daily affirmations
Another great tip from The Miracle Morning is to integrate daily affirmations into your morning routine. This is a great way to utilize the law of attraction and help motivate you to crush your day. In doing so, it helps ease stress and anxiety and pumps you up to crush your goals.
Related: How to Build a Successful Morning Routine
13. Declutter your space
Clutter around your apartment or home can lead to unwanted stress both consciously and subconsciously. Be sure to take the time and declutter your space whenever you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed, or just try to tidy up every evening. One easy way to do this is to keep a cute basket in your living room and toss in all the clutter into it during the day, then put everything away before you go to bed.
14. Take frequent breaks
Many studies over the years have suggested that the human mind can only focus for 20 to 45 minutes (though this is a subject that is continuously being studied). That being said, it is important to take breaks throughout your day. Don’t stress yourself out to complete a task when you can no longer focus on it. You’ll be much more productive in the long run if you just take a short break or even switch tasks for a bit.
Tip: Try making some fun seasonal bucket lists for yourself!
Fun activity bucket lists will help you take longer breaks, such as weekend adventures or evening activities. Here are some of my favorites go-to seasonal bucket lists:
- The Ultimate Winter Bucket List
- The Ultimate Spring Bucket List
- The Ultimate Summer Bucket List
- The Ultimate Fall Bucket List
- The Ultimate Halloween Bucket List
- The Ultimate Holiday Bucket List
- 105 Fun Things to Do When You’re Bored at Home
15. Unplug every night
Having your phone at your hip the entire day can be distracting, stressful, and tiresome. Turning off your devices can be such a freeing experience! Challenge yourself to unplug from the world every once in a while, or better yet, every night! You will be surprised at just how much of a difference it will make.
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16. Create a healthy morning routine
Routines are a great way to manage stress by ensuring your daily and weekly tasks are continuously getting completed. They are also a way to build comfort into your life. A great healthy morning routine can make the difference between a bad and an amazing day. Try to add in some small tasks each morning, such as daily affirmations and eating a healthy breakfast, before you run out the door to take on the day!
17. Create a healthy evening routine
A night routine can be just as important as a morning routine! Once the evening hits, it is important to begin separating yourself from your hectic day and begin to relax to ensure you get the most rest when bedtime comes! This may include a nice long shower, reading, journaling, or simply just picking out tomorrows outfit to ease your mind.
18. Schedule time for fun activities
Another great stress management technique is to create balance in your life. Be sure to always schedule in some fun, stress free activities, such as hiking, exploring the city, a fun night out, or even just a simple game night with friends. If you are having a hard time doing this, try adding it to your to do list!
Related: 34 Budget Friendly Date Ideas to Try Out Now!
19. Create an empowering playlist
A good playlist is a powerful tool. You can create the perfect playlist for so many different situations including to gain confidence, boost your mood, increase your focus, and much more. Don’t forget to switch up your tunes once your playlist becomes dull!
Check out Amazon Prime Music! (Free with your prime membership!)
20. Find a new and exciting hobby
A hobby is another great way to incorporate balance into your hectic life. This could be anything from joining a new book club to learning how to build engines. Honestly the sky is the limit! Try something out!
21. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water
A healthy diet is among the number one ways scientists have proven to decrease stress and ensure a longer life. This can be done in many different ways, but be sure to educate yourself and talk with your health care provider to see what is best for you. I have been reading Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: A Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating and it has been a game changer! I highly recommend it!
Related: The Ultimate Secret to Eating Healthy on a Budget
22. Get enough sleep
Another proven stress management technique is getting enough sleep! I know, sometimes it is much easier said than done, but it is a complete game changer! If you’re in need of some assistance, I have been using these sleep supplements and they have been working like a charm!
23. Adopt a pet
Pets are a great way to ease stress and anxiety. Pets help boost your mood (by being cute, of course), encourage exercise (especially if you get a dog), decrease the feeling of loneliness (however they definitely increase the amount of time you talk to them) and supposedly help blood pressure (I am not sure how proven this fact is). If you’re considering adding a pet to the family, please consider adoption!
24. Talk with a professional
Finally, if stress is getting to be a concern in your life, be sure to talk to a professional to see what more that can be done. Mental health is incredibly important and should always be a priority in your daily life.
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Further Reading:
Here is some related blog content you might be interested in:
- Rejuvenating Self Care Ideas That Actually Work
- The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Vision Board (in 9 easy steps!)
- 17 Ways to Avoid College Burnout (#4 Changed My Life!)
- 21 Life-Changing Books for 20-Somethings
- 12 Effective Tips for Better Sleep (That Actually Work!)
Wow, that was a lot! I hope you were able to take some of these tips and tricks and add them into your stress management tool box to use when you need them. Stress can be such a nuisance and is really unnecessary. Let’s stick together and find a way to live a more relaxed, productive, and happy life!
Looking for ways to become more organized? Check out my top 17 tips for successful planner organization!
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