We all go through times when stress feels like a huge load we’re carrying around, and can’t seem to put down. It can make our shoulders heavy and our smiles a bit harder to find. Now, we all have our own ways of trying to lighten that load, but today, let’s talk about how we can do it in ways that are actually good for us. Sometimes, we think we’re helping ourselves by doing certain things to ease the stress, but they might not be the best choices for us in the long run. Yes, we’re talking about unhealthy ways that we might be dealing with stress and how we can cut it out.
Most times, we might catch ourselves using some methods that might seem like quick fixes—like maybe grabbing a lot of comfort food which is probably unhealthy, staying in front of the screen for too long, or even avoiding hanging out with friends because we feel too grumpy. Some of us might think about having a drink, smoking, or using other things to relax. It’s like trying to put a small bandage on a big cut; it doesn’t quite fix it and can be unhealthy, you already know this.
Before we go any further, please always remember that we’re all in this together and this will never come from a place of judgment. We just suggest doing everything in moderation. A reliance on the unhealthy stuff that’s usually fun once in a while can be very dangerous and we don’t want that for you.
So, here are our thoughts on how we can handle this load of stress in a way that makes us feel better and stronger in the long haul.
First off, talking to someone we trust can make a huge difference. This could be a friend, a family member, or even a colleague. They care about us and sometimes just voicing our worries makes them feel smaller. If you feel like you cannot share your struggles with any of these people, for whatever reason, this is your sign to try therapy. Although they might seem expensive, we like to see it as an investment rather than an overbearing expense. You can start out with one session and if you don’t like it, by all means, stop.
We’d also suggest getting a stress journal, just the same way we have a gratitude journal. We understand that some of us genuinely don’t like writing but need a way to unpack. A great way to document your feelings is through voice memos. Just you and the record button.
Getting our bodies moving is another helpful tip. It doesn’t have to be anything big—a walk, a little dance in our room, or even stretching can help our minds take a break from stress.
Did you know that taking deep breaths or finding a quiet moment to doodle or read can help calm our minds? It’s like pressing the pause button on a video; it gives us a moment to collect ourselves before we press play again.
It’s also really great to try new hobbies or spend time doing things we love. Whether that’s painting, building something, or playing a game, it helps take our minds off stress and reminds us of the fun parts of life.
And lastly, keeping a little gratitude journal or just thinking of a couple of things we’re thankful for each day can bring in so much sunshine to our lives. You can do this after pouring your heart out into your stress journal. It’s like turning on a light in a dim room—everything seems a bit brighter.
We think it’s very important to remember that we’re all on this journey together. None of us are perfect, and it’s totally okay to find things hard sometimes. What’s amazing is that we can choose how we deal with stress in ways that make us feel proud of ourselves.
Remember, every step we take towards dealing with stress in healthy ways is a step towards a happier, healthier us.
You’ve got this!
