Today I’m sharing 10 tips that I try to implement in to my routine whenever I feel anxious or stressed.
I am very much the type that really doesn’t worry or get worked up too often. I’m an enneagram type 9, so most of the time, I’m not aware that I’m stressed because I just ignore that feeling. I know, it’s strange.
But, I can usually tell when I need to relax because I can’t sleep at night, I start breaking out or I get an upset stomach.
It’s so important to pay attention to what your body needs!!
Here are my 10 tips to reduce stress during a season of change (or whenever you’re feeling stressed out):
1. Take a break from your phone.
This will make more of an impact than you think! Now, more than ever, we are glued to our phones and they rarely leave our sides. Try taking an afternoon (then working up to a whole day) where you put your phone in a drawer and don’t touch it. Be sure to tell the people you love that you are doing this so they aren’t alarmed!
Growing up going to summer camp with no technology for 5 weeks has proven to me that one CAN survive with a phone and be 10x better off without it! Trust me.
2. Read a book
Again, sounds silly, right? Well, if you don’t have your phone then you’re going to need something to entertain you. A book is a great, relaxing option.
It is always a goal of mine to read more. Some of my recent and long-time favorites include Redeeming Love, One Day in December, and Love Lives Here (really anything from Bob Goff, I love!)
Reading anytime is going to relax you and help you destress, especially if you read before you go to sleep! We all know that looking at your phone before you go to bed can mess up your REM cycle and keep you up for hours.
3. Journal
I know I have mentioned before how much I love journaling and how reading Speak Love really got me into it. You don’t have to be any type of writer to do this, you don’t even have to know what you are doing! You just have to take the time to sit down with a notebook, journal or piece of paper, and get it off your chest. I promise you it will start to flow once you start writing and once you get in the habit of journaling regularly, you will want to sit down and scribble all your thoughts out on paper.
4. Go on a walk
Some people like running, which totally works too, but I prefer walking. A 30 minute walk outside, in the fresh air, can work wonders. Plug in some chill tunes, a podcast or listen to nature!
5. Do something familiar
During a season of change, we crave familiarity. What comes second nature to you? Baking cookies? Playing tennis? Knitting? Playing an instrument? Do something that you could do in your sleep. It will help you feel more grounded and in-control during a season of change.
6. Drink a hot cup of tea
I know that there are a lot of people out there who don’t like hot tea. I, on the other hand, love it.
Different kinds of teas have different medicinal purposes and health benefits. Chamomile tea, in particular, is great for soothing stomach aches, promoting sleep, and reducing stress!
Some of my other favorite teas are peppermint, green tea and this chamomile lavender tea.
Before you kick this tip to the curb, try adding a little honey in your tea to sweeten it up! 🙂
7. Regulate your sleep schedule
Our bodies work best when they have a routine schedule. I know for some, sleeping does not come easily. Especially in this day and age where there are more everyday stressors than there used to be (24/7 access to social media, the news, poor diet, etc.)
Going to bed around the same time and waking up around the same time– I know, during quarantine, is difficult! But, could make a huge difference to your overall well-being.
Getting enough sleep is so important for you body to work properly and efficiently and maybe if you apply some of the tips above, your sleep will improve 🙂
8. Essential Oils
I started using essential oils the summer of 2019, while I was at summer camp in North Carolina and Grant was in Washington D.C. My mom sent me the sweetest care package and included this lavender essential oil roll on because I had told her how stressed & homesick I felt.
It really was the only thing that helped me sleep that summer. I would roll a little on my temples before I went to sleep and I would be OUT.
After that, I was even more interested in essential oils and that Christmas, Grant got me this diffuser. I am not the essential oil queen, but there is something so calming about diffusing that makes me instantly feel so relaxed.
These are the oils I use most often in my diffuser.
9. Take a long hot bath or shower.
There is something in the act of bathing and “washing away” the stress or anxiety you’re feeling that is good for the soul.
Try making time for a luxurious bath or shower at the end of the day. Take it to the next level by using this bath gel (trust me, you won’t regret it) or these Epsom salts to wash the stress away.
10. Remember This
Most importantly, remember that we are not in control of our lives. God has our best interest at heart, even when it might not feel like it. He has planned our lives out perfectly.
Remember these verses whenever you start to feel the stress creeping in:
Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Thanks for reading!
