Stress is a natural part of our lives, but we don’t have to let it control us. Below are a few master tips to deal with your stress, because you, yes YOU are in control.

1. Write it down

That project assignment to complete, work presentation due, buy a gift for dad, clean the house, pick up the kids from school at 2:00, don’t forget to pick up the car at 2:45, doctor’s appointment at 4:00, get groceries for the family dinner, cook the family dinner, be in bed by 8:30 and wait has anyone seen my coffee? … 

Heck who can deal with so much to do?! 

No matter what it is that has you stressed out, write it down on a piece of paper. You will feel an immediate sense of relief in just knowing that the jumble of tasks in your mind has a place somewhere in the physical world. You can cross it off when you’ve completed the task, which is my favorite part, and makes me feel extra accomplished 🙂 

2. Be your own cheerleader

You can even buy the red uniform and the pom-poms- this one’s totally up to you. What counts is that you are your own cheerleader, now and always. Write yourself a little song, do a little dance, anything that pumps you up and gives you that extra push to finally complete the task that’s been stressing you out. “I’m a winner, yes I am, I’ll do great on this exam!”

3.Connect with your breath

Your breath is the most precious resource you have, and conscious breathing has the power to place your body in a state of complete calm, no matter the circumstance.  You can try inhaling for 5 seconds, holding for 5 seconds, and exhaling for 7 seconds to start, which will bring your stress level down in minutes. Give it a go, and approach the stressful task with a clear mind.

4. Feel your heartbeat

When you’re feeling stressed, you can simply place one or both hands over your heart, and take a moment to connect with this life force that is courageously beating to the rhythm that is your life. You have made it this far, you are still here, and you can keep going. I promise you, you can do it. 

Stress doesn’t have to be your enemy. In fact, feeling stress is just a part of being human! But there are so many ways we can reduce this stress to not only accomplish tasks, but to squeeze the juice out of every day. I know you can do this.

Love,