Managing Stress

Tips and Tricks on How I Manage Stress

I am sharing with you how I manage my stress in hopes that these strategies will work for you, too.

1. Follow social media influencers who inspire you and share the same values as you. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found three influencers who kept me sane, and who helped me stay positive during a challenging and unsettling time. These influencers post their personal growth with nutrition, mental health, and physical health. By following influencers who also share their stories, their achievements, and even their struggles with mental health and body image, I found a sense of unity, a feeling of I’m not alone, or togetherness that helped me form better daily habits and thoughts about myself. A tip I learned from @mikzazon’s instagram account was that she uses the phrase, “1, 2, 3…GO!” whenever she feels anxious about doing a task, or before going somewhere. This has been a resourceful tip to use throughout my day because that’s it, I just have 1, 2, 3 seconds to go go go! It helps me to not think about what I am actually anxious about, but rather, it allows me to just focus on doing the task itself. Another tip I found helpful was by @leahitstine’s instagram account, where she openly admits she just sometimes takes a minute to have a power cry. That’s right, it’s completely fine to let yourself release your stress though a quick power cry. And, let me tell you, once I’m done, I feel empowered in that moment and back in control of my emotions. Leah also offers great advice on balanced, and realistic eating, which can be followed using her B.A.R.E. guides https://www.leahitsines.com.au/. Her recipes and passion for food inspired me to re-take control of my eating habits. Lastly, @marillewellyn’s instagram page is full of exercises that can be done from home, and her at-home guides were a must have for me! They were simple and easy to follow, and I saw results within the first two weeks. I also became a huge fan of her second company, Bloom Nutrition https://bloomnu.com/, and I purchased a few protein powders and other supplements to add to my daily routine. 
2. 5 senses meditation, or 5-4-3-2-1 Exercise. 5 things you notice in the room 4 things you can feel (such as your shirt on your skin, the chair you are sitting on, the breeze from a fan, your feet on the floor, etc.) 3 things you can hear 2 things you like the smell of 1 thing you like the taste of or 1 good feeling you have about yourself.
3. Bullet journaling was something I turned to at the very start of the pandemic. I’m not quite sure why I turned to this, maybe Pinterest inspired me to try it. I use my bullet journal to brainstorm goals, to track my mood, to jot down ideas or feelings, and even a recipe book!
4. Go for a nature walk. I am fortunate enough to live near a ton of parks, so my options feel limitless. Just the sole act of stepping outside and feeling the temperature of the air, or seeing the sun instantaneously increases my mood. I enjoy spending my walks by reflecting on my day as I absorb the beautiful elements of nature.
5. Share your thoughts with a friend or partner. Personally, I do better when I talk out my problems with someone. So, I encourage you to find that one person to go to when you are stressed. Make sure you find someone you trust and someone who is a good listener!