Things to Do When You Feel Stressed Out

We all face moments when stress seems to take over, whether it’s from work, relationships, or just the daily grind. In those moments, I’ve learned that it’s not about avoiding stress—it’s about knowing what to do when it hits. Over time, I’ve picked up a few personal strategies to help me find my calm. If you’re feeling stressed out, maybe one of these could help you, too.

1. Go for a walk, even if it’s for 5 minutes.
2. Write whatever is in your head out onto a piece of paper. Then throw it away.
3. Luxuriate in a long, hot shower or bath
4. Eat something healthy and nourishing, or cook/order your favorite comfort food
5. Remember that you are doing your best, and that’s okay!
6. Practice the art of delegation. Can you hand something off to someone or ask them to help you?
7. Get creative: color, paint, draw, write, crochet, craft…
8. Give yourself some breathing space and cancel your plans
9. Take a break from social media and email. Even better, remove the apps from your phone or turn off notifications.
10. Spend uninterrupted and unplugged time with your pet/kid/partner/friend/family
11. Break large tasks down into bite-size, digestible chunks
12. Have some me-time and plan an evening or day of rest
13. Watch a funny movie or show or even funny TikTok videos (I love cute animal videos)
14. Do something “manual2 – pull weeds, water the plants, prune some trees, reorganize the pantry, scrub the bathroom, wash the car … anything to burn off that stressful energy!
15. Ask someone for a hug
16. Cut back on the alcohol and caffeine
17. Share what you are going through and ask for support from someone you trust
18. Listen to your favorite music/playlist/podcast
19. Wear your best perfume, favorite outfit, pretty underwear, pop on your fave dress or shoes, whatever makes you walk tall and feel good
20. Laugh
21. Write a list of priorities, things to do, pros and cons
22. Sit somewhere quiet and enjoy a nice cup of tea or any beverage you like
23. Meditate or pray
24. Take a mental health day
25. Have a girls’ or boys’ night in
26. Identify some “quick wins” you can tick off your to-do list. By quickly ticking off a few simple things, you will feel like you are getting stuff done and succeeding!
27. Spend time in nature
28. Revisit a hobby you haven’t done in a while
29. Hang out with your favorite people who lift you up
30. Treat yourself to something. It could be a massage, a manicure, a new pair of shoes, a new book, a spa day…
31. Turn off your phone
32. Write a list of 5 things you are grateful for each day
33. Create a relaxing environment at home. Light a candle, burn some incense, or diffuse some oils
34. Take a weekend off and go on a road trip or spend the weekend at home having some me-time
35. Learn to say no and don’t feel guilty about it
36. Exercise, even if it’s for a few minutes
37. Dance, just dance around the house listening to a happy song, and be goofy if needed. Dance like no one is watching
38. Take a power nap
39. Practice Breathing Exercises
40. If stress impacts your physical and mental health, book in to speak to your doctor.

Stress is something we all experience, but it doesn’t have to rule your life. By having a list of stress-relief tools to reach for, you can regain control and find peace in the middle of the chaos. Try a few of these techniques the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, and don’t forget to prioritize self-care. You deserve it! ♥

The information presented in this post is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the information presented in the following post is accurate and true, however, it does not replace advice from a medical professional. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and advice first and foremost.