If you’re human, you have stress. Stress management is something everyone has to learn while navigating life, and some of us are better at it than others.

We live in a fast-paced world. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while keeping your proverbial ducks in a row can be super challenging at times. 

Don’t leave yourself ill-equipped to handle life’s mountains and valleys, and consider what these stress management tools could do to help relieve the pressure of everyday life today. 

Using technology for stress management

Though technology can certainly be a source of stress for many, there are multiple ways to use the progression of technology for the purpose of relieving stress. For instance, numerous mobile apps are available digitally and designed to provide users with convenient stress management tools. Below is one example of a helpful mobile app.  

WorryTree is a mobile app available for iOS and Android users who battle anxiety. Stress is a notable trigger for anxiety, linking the two hand in hand. WorryTree is highly rated as a tool utilizing the techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT). 

“By simply writing down your feelings and getting them out of your head, you give yourself time to feel the emotions behind them.”

– Eden’s Counseling Group

The app works to help users catch and debunk their anxious thoughts as they come as a form of stress management. Users can challenge these intrusive thoughts and find ways to either solve the issue at hand or learn ways to cope with the situation. 

Simple stress busters

When you just need a quick tip or trick for daily stress management, it helps to keep these tactics in mind. Stress is a result of the body being overstimulated in some way. Try these helpful hints next time you need a little quick relief. 

Change your chemistry – When you’re feeling like you might have too much stress on your plate or you may have a panic attack, try changing your body chemistry. If you’re sitting inside your cool house, go outside in the heat and sweat. 

If you’re already hot, try putting your head in the freezer for a minute. The shift in your body chemistry can help reset your fight or flight response and grant you quick relief from the peril. 

Envision the rolling creek – Amid anxiety or stress, close your eyes and envision the rolling creek. As the creek flows gently by you, plant your feet firmly in the dirt of the bank. 

Notice how the water flows over the rocks and other obstacles. Notice some leaves floating by you. Take whatever is stressing you out the most in that moment and place it on top of one of those floating leaves. 

Let it float on down the creek away from you, and let it go. Keep doing this until you feel relief from your anxiety, and remember to breathe. 

Box breathing – Breathing is the simplest form of stress management. During a panic, try the box breathing method. Breathe in for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, breathe out for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, and repeat until you feel calm. 

Stress management is easier with friends

The people you choose to surround yourself with will make a significant impact on your mental well-being. A supportive circle of loved ones (whether it be family or friends) can help you with stress management by simply offering a hug or a warm cup of tea at the end of the day. 

Solid friendships with work colleagues can help make your time on the job a little less stressful. Pay close attention to the people around you, as a bad attitude can be just as influential as a bright smile. 

Don’t forget to treat yourself well

Overall, self-care is likely the most effective form of stress management. You can practice self-care at any time any day of the week. Self-care doesn’t have to be something that takes an hour to complete. 

Kick your shoes off – Simply taking off your shoes and socks and planting your feel in some grass, sand, or dirt helps to realign your body’s electrical impulses with the Earth and ground you. Even if it feels silly to do at first, give it a shot. You might be surprised at what a little dirt, sand, or grass between the toes can do to turn your day around. 

Get some rest – Sleeping is vital to your mental and physical well-being. It can never be stressed enough that the quality of your sleep is directly linked to the quality of your day. Guard your sleep well, and make accommodations nightly for a cozy snooze.

Hopefully, this article didn’t lull you to sleep, but if it did, at least you’re calm. It seems the stress management tools above are already starting to work for you. If not, now is the best time to start training your mind and body to relax.