Life can be incredibly wonderful and fulfilling at times, but other times, it can knock you on your feet. Sometimes there are reasons, but sometimes you may be feeling inexplicably blue. Depending on what’s got you down, we’ve come up with a list of stress relieving activities to do. Here are 15 great ways to cope with stress.

 

Talk with Friends

Stress can keep us in our own heads. Do you have a friend that you trust and is also a good listener? If so, take a leap of faith and let them know what’s going on. Being vulnerable may be scary, but it is also rewarding. Opening up will also make your friend feel good, too, because they’re given the opportunity to feel trusted.

Read Books That Resonate with How You Feel

Sometimes putting feelings into words can be a challenge and it can also add to our discomfort. Knowing that others have gone through similar experiences can be very healing. Head to a book store and browse books that resonates with how you’re feeling. Find sections for personal growth, or any books that can help you learn about yourself.

Exercise

In our society, exercise has been tied to looking good. That’s not even the best part about exercise! Exercise releases feel good hormones in our brains which makes us feel good. Anything from a quick walk to a run around the block will do. When we’re stressed, exercise can be a great way to channel heightened emotions. It can also reconnect our mind to our body, which brings us to the present moment.

 

Entertainment

Playing video games or watching your favorite show in moderation is a great way to momentarily distract yourself from stress. Although this will not solve your problem, this is a good way to get your mind off the stressor for a little bit. Working through our problems is a crucial step to growth, but when it gets too much, give your mind a little fun break.

 

Mindful Breathing

When you feel stress, there is a disconnect between your mind and your body. Take deep breaths and be mindful of your breathing by focusing and refocusing on your inhale and exhale. This will help reconnect your mind with your body, slow down your heart rate, and reduce feelings of stress.

 

Journal

Be your own best friend by journaling your thoughts. Like talking to a friend, journaling can help get thoughts out of your head and onto paper. When you write, freely express what’s going on and how you’re feeling. Many people find journaling therapeutic because you are putting words to emotions. Identifying how you feel with words can be relieving.

 

Eat Chocolate

Not only do chocolates taste delicious, they also produce a feel-good hormone in your brain when you eat it! Endorphins are released in the brain, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety – similar to exercise. Have a piece of chocolate if you need a quick mood boost. Remember , moderation is key!

 

Pet a Dog

There’s a reason why people say dogs are a man or woman’s best friend. They shower you with unconditional love and attention. Oxytocin (the cuddle chemical) gets released when you interact with dogs – they make you feel more loved!

 

Take a Nap

Sleep plays a huge role in brain functioning. Taking a power nap has been proven to improve brain functioning. The opposite may be true when you are low on sleep. You may feel crankier when you are short on sleep, which adds to stress.

 

Seek Therapy

If you don’t have someone you feel like you can talk to, consider seeing a therapist. The right therapists are non-judgmental and will help find ways to reduce your stress.

 

Listen to Music

Music is magical. Music has the power to put into words that you may only be able to feel, which makes you feel so much more understood.

 

Coloring Book

Coloring books will call upon your motor skills, as well as your concentration skills. This focus centered activity will stimulate areas of the brain in control of creativity, relieving stress as well.

 

Get Creative

Whether you create music, art, or ceramics, getting creative can be a great stress reducer. Spend your mental energy on hobbies instead of what brings you stress.

 

Be in Daylight

The sun has healing powers. Being outside with nature during the day can increase levels of Vitamin D. This vitamin can help people with depression as well as stress and anxiety.

 

Visualize Your Favorite Place

Think of your favorite place to be when you’re feeling stressed. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and visualize the place. This will trick your body into calming down and help reduce your stress.

 

No matter what activity you choose, the best thing about doing something is that you are proactive in your stress management. Stress is a part of being human, but stress doesn’t need to control what you do or how you feel.  Some activities help to pinpoint the issue, others can be great distractors – which is what may be needed at the time.