1) Take a break and breathe

The most important thing you can do for yourself when stressed is probably the most obvious: take a break. It might be difficult to drag yourself away from a project or homework, but taking care of yourself and your body is just as important. Often, people get so caught up in work that they forget to stop and breathe for a few seconds.

Breathing can also help reduce stress. Though it sounds rather simple, controlled breathing can actually reduce stress and increase alertness. It can also make you feel calmer. So instead of driving your mind into a downward spiral, just take a step away from what you’re doing and breathe for a few seconds.

2) Exercise or go outside

Studies show that exercise reduces the levels of your body’s stress hormones and stimulates the productions of endorphins. Even if you don’t have the time, just doing a few stretches or going on a run outside can greatly improve your mood and reduce stress.

Those who exercise outside actually have lower blood levels of cortisol (a hormone related to stress). Exercisers that are exposed to the color green also find it easier to exercise. 

3) Hug someone you love

Studies show that touching someone you love (or just touching anyone) can reduce stress. Supportive relationships allow your mind to “relax.” James A. Coan, an assistant professor of psychology and a neuroscientist at the University of Virginia, describes this as a cue that “you don’t have to regulate your negative emotion.”

Spending time with pets can also relieve stress. Walking your dog provides the extra benefit of outdoor activity, while also providing comfort and companionship. The same can be said for cats and other pets.

4) Laugh

Laughter stimulates circulation and muscle relaxation, which helps with the physical symptoms of stress. It also increases your oxygen intake which increases endorphins released. It also cools down your stress response, which can help calm you down.

5) Be healthy

This can be hard for many people, but studies show that getting around 8 or 9 hours of sleep can greatly affect your mood and ability to concentrate. Make sure you have a relaxing bedtime routine and try listening to music if you have trouble going to sleep.

Eating habits are also crucial for long-term stress relief. Try to eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid overeating or stress eating.

Works Cited:

“12 Tips to Tame Stress.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and

Research, 21 Apr. 2016, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/ in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257.

“Stress Relief from Laughter? It’s No Joke.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical

Education and Research, 21 Apr. 2016, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stres

s-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456.

Parker-Pope, Tara. “How to Be Better at Stress.” The New York Times, The New York

Times, www.nytimes.com/guides/well/how-to-deal-with-stress.

Harvard Health Publishing. “Exercising to Relax.” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard Health

Publishing, 13 July 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to- relax.