Alyssa Mandel on Quick Tips for Managing Stress

Stressed out? It’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to balance work, a social life, and family. But don’t worry it happens to everyone. Stress in small amounts is a good thing, and it can even make you more productive. However, you should be cautious about carrying too much weight on your shoulders. If not treated, chronic stress forms quickly, leading to anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Luckily, it's easier to reduce your stress levels than you think! Use the tips below to keep your stress at a healthy level.

Take a Break.
A taking a break can make all the difference when trying to reduce your stress levels. When feeling overwhelmed, the American Psychological Association recommends taking at least a twenty-minute break. Clear your mind by listening to calming music, going for a walk, or reading a book. Stepping away for a brief amount of time can also give you the opportunity to reset your mind. Who knows, you might even come up with new ideas for completing tasks or projects.

Take a Deep Breath.
Taking a moment to focus on your breathing is one of the best ways to reduce stress because it lowers your blood pressure. According to the American Institute of Stress, “Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness.” You can take a deep breath anywhere. To practice proper deep breathing complete the following:

1. Sit tall or lie flat in a comfortable position.
2. Place one hand your chest and one on your stomach.
3. Deeply breath through your nose, allowing your belly to expand.
4. Breathe out through your mouth.
5. Complete steps 2-4 ten times, focusing on your hand rising and falling on your stomach.

Deep breathing doesn’t take a long time to do, and you can do it anywhere!

Have a Laugh.
Emotions have a direct relationship with facial expressions and the brain. If you hold tension in your face, you will likely feel more stressed. So remember to smile, it’s a great way to elevate the stress in your face and make you feel relaxed. Get a quick laugh by looking up funny videos or jokes online. You can even spread the good vibes by sharing what you found with your co-workers, friends, or family.

Go for a Run.
Exercising every day helps you feel good and, the effects last for hours. This doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon. Go for a swim, dance, or grab a friend and go to the gym. Exercising connects your mind and body leaving you with an all-around better feeling.

Remember, you should never let stress build up. If you’re feeling overwhelmed it’s easy to find healthy ways to calm down. Take a walk, use a deep breathing exercise, or smile; these tools can go a long way when managing stress. If you find that these tips are not helping you ask a friend what works for them. Everyone is completely different so don’t worry if something doesn’t work for you. Finding your Zen is easier than you think, just take the time to find what’s best for you!

This article was originally published on AlyssaMandel.com