17 Tips for Self-Care & Managing Stress
According to the 2017 American Psychological Association (APA) yearly Stress in America survey, their findings were that there is growing stress this year due to Concern for the American Future. Other high stressors included Money, Work, Current Political Climate, Violence & Crime, followed by a list of many other stressors.
These stressors can come in all shapes, forms, and can be found in any country. The goal is not to eliminate the stresses of life completely, but to better manage them so that they do not lead to more severe physical or mental health struggles.
The remedy for helping manage stress is implementing self-care techniques in order to remain grounded.
Below are 17 Tips to help with Self-Care & Managing Stress
1. Draw/Paint
Art is an expressive way to use a different part of your brain and allows your concrete part of a brain to take a break.
2. Exercise
Getting active helps shake up the chemicals in your brain and can be a conduit to help build self-confidence, but also give time to see things from a different point of view.
3. Cook
Stimulating the taste buds and other senses in your body while moving can be a great outlet while developing a skill.
4. Journal
A place where you can verbally vomit the struggles and positives of the day. It provides an avenue to externalize what has been internal. In addition, it can remain private.
5. Deep Breath
This is by far my favorite Self-Care and was drilled into me while doing martial arts & athletics. Taking Deep breaths and being mindful of those breaths helps slow down your process from the upbeat rhythm that so often happens when stress or anxiety come around. Click Here for a video on deep breathing.
6. Memorize
A quote, phrase, or memorized scripture can help provide that motivation, encouragement or reminder whenever negative thoughts or feelings come around.
7. Take a Nap
Now I'm not saying sleep all day, except if burnout applies, but taking a nap can be a quick 15-20 minute power nap to help reset and rest your brain to continue to keep going.
8. Stretch Out
Muscles get tense after remaining in one physical posture for a while. Stand up and stretch to help break up the tension in your neck, legs, or shoulders.
9. Stroke a Pet
A pet by your side and cuddling can be a source of comfort and allow a time of ease.
10. Treat Yourself Out
Not breaking the bank, but doing something that provides motivation to work towards as a reward. A reward that will help get you in a relaxed state, not a more tense state.
11. Turn off Electronics
Some of the best times I can remember were camping and not having cell service. Turning off electronics allows a person to be still and can emphasize disconnection from media so that relational connection can occur.
12. Read a Book
Reading Scripture or a book can provide encouragement or take you on an adventure right in the comfort of your home.
13. Pray
Prayer was seen in the APA as one of the top four things people do. However, I would encourage when praying not to just to pray for yourself but also others as well. Prayer reminds us of a bigger purpose going on.
14. Call A Friend
We are relational beings, and as such, a great way to have self-care is just spending time with a friend doing an activity you both like to do together.
15. Play a Game
It can be a board game, paintball, card game. Anything that is not work!
16. Listen to Music
Find your favorite album or playlist, sit back, close your eyes and begin to listen.
17. Watch a Movie/TV Show
Find a place to go where you can put up your feet, relax your body and brain, and be taken on an adventure or mystery.
These 17 tips for self-care are proactive actions that can be done to help better manage the daily stresses of life. Remember, it is better to be proactive than reactive.
The great thing about writing is that this is just the start of the discussion. What do you do for self-care and how often do you take time out for self-care? Feel free to comment below.
