13 Tips for Stress & Anxiety Relief

Today I’m going to be sharing some tips on stress and anxiety relief. This is a good time for me to write this, because I’ve been stressed lately, and have had lots of time to put these things into practice. 😛 These are things that I have found helpful for me. Everyone is different and they may not help you like they have me.

Running

Running is the number one thing that I have found helpful when I’m stressed or anxious. Most of the time, I’m bouncing around with tons of nervous energy and I get so snappy if anyone touches me, if there are loud sounds or bright lights.

I have my treadmill set up in the garage, where it is fairly dark. It really helps me to be able to get away, by myself, and to just run. I put on my music and I run hard and fast for three miles, with no breaks. By the end of that time, I’m exhausted and all of that nervous energy is gone. I’m always much more alert, calm and can tolerate being touched after a run.

Sometimes walking helps, but it isn’t nearly as effective because my mind isn’t as focused. When I run, my mind stops thinking about everything there is to worry about, and it just focuses on finishing the run before I’m too worn out. 😂

Avoid Caffeine & Sugar

I love caffeine and sugar. But my body and my mind do not. If I have very much of either (especially caffeine), I end up so sensitive to everything, shaky, and so nervous. Limiting the consumption of both of those always helps. If I do go eat/drink too much of them, then I have to go run until I’m worn out, otherwise I’m miserable for the rest of the day.

Scribble or Tear Paper

There’s something so satisfying about shredding paper. I also really like to just scribble. The pressure of the pen against the notebook is really helpful. You could try writing your stresses out on a paper (or drawing a picture of them) and then just tearing that paper to bits and throwing it away.

Punch a Pillow

Again with the physical exertion. Sometimes you just need to punch something. It’s much better to use a pillow or something soft like that instead of a person or something that could harm your hand. Just punch your pillow until you’re worn out and can calm down.

Scream or Cry

There’s nothing wrong with screaming and crying. You can burry your face in a pillow and get an emotional release that way. Or if you’re in a place to do this, just go out into a quiet place alone and just scream or cry.

Dark Rooms

Dark rooms are the best. Sometimes just sitting by myself in a place where I don’t have to look at anything is helpful. Lying in bed works for me sometimes, but my mind ends up having an opportunity to think and that isn’t helpful. XD

Don’t Eat When Stressed

This is a big thing that I had to learn. I *coughs* like food a lot and I have used it as a comfort way too many times. Stress eating isn’t healthy at all (especially because the foods we crave when we’re stressed are high sugary or fatty foods). If you eat when you’re in a state of high stress, you’re going to get a stomach ache.

Hot Baths or Showers

I personally find baths really disgusting. But sometimes a shower can be really relaxing.

Stress Toys

STRESS TOYS!! I love those things. I love the squishy stress balls. I found one at a toy store that is amazing! It smells sooo good, it has a really fun texture and it’s small enough to fit in my palm. It isn’t sticky or messy like putty.

Breathing

Okay, okay, yes, it’s a little cliché and cheesy. But when you’re stressed, just try to pay attention to your breathing. Take deep, long breathes instead of shallow ones. The very act of paying attention to your breathing can help take your mind off of other things.

Get Out of the Situation

This isn’t always possible, but when you can, get out of the situation that is causing you stress.

Headphones

If noise causes you stress, invest in noise canceling headphones. Those things are awesome, you guys. It’s so peaceful and comforting to put them on and have noise fade away.

Therapy Pets

My gliders are my little “therapy” animals. 😆 Especially my baby Ink. He’s literally the best glider for stress-relief. He’s incredibly calm and gentle. He likes to be petted and he’ll just sit on my lap for as long as I need him. He has a very calming personality. Maybe you have a dog or a cat that can fill that role, too.

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I hope some of these tips were helpful! We live in a crazy stressful world, and it’s always good to seek out ways that help calm us down and ground us.

~Hattush

What are your favorite stress/anxiety relievers?