How I Learned to Handle Stress: 7 Habits That Changed My Life

Stress is one of the most prominent feelings of emotion I have experienced in my life. I grew up to be an overthinker, and fretting about even the smallest circumstances and creating unnecessary and ridiculous outcomes and stressing over them was something very usual to me.

Then there were external stresses, such as work stress, stress due to pregnancy, and just existing! Well, life is not a piece of cake, and with its ups and downs, stress is something we all carry with us.

Over the years, I recognized how unhealthy it was to stress so easily and how it clouds my mind in making a clear judgement. I think we all can agree that a lot of terrible situations can be avoided if we were to make good decisions every time.

But it can never happen if the mind and body are stressed and emotionally drained. Stress leads to more cycles of stress, which will end up harming your mental and physical health.

I have done some serious work on myself to stop stressing about everything. Stress is not completely gone from my life, but I can say I have understood this emotional response much better and learned some habits along the way to minimize it.

In this post I would like to share some personal habits that have helped me handle stress. But before that, let's understand more about stress.

What Exactly Is Stress?

Stress is a natural reaction in our body when it faces changes or unfavorable situations (stressors), which leads to various behavioral and physical responses. Our bodies are designed to experience stress and react to it. Stress can be considered a survival tactic, which prepares the body to be alert and be more productive when it faces stressors.

But prolonged stress can be very unhealthy. While we can't avoid stress completely, stress can be handled. Below are some simple tips that I practice whenever I'm stressed.

So, relax and take notes!

1. Go For A Walk

If you are stressed about something, then going for a stroll to your favorite park or even just outside your home will calm down your nerves. If you are unable to go out, then pace around in your home or do the infamous walk-at-home low-impact workouts, if you are up for it.

When you walk, blood flow to your brain increases, which helps in the release of endorphins and reduces the troublesome cortisol. Walking can also help you have mental clarity if you are stuck with something.

So get rid of those extra calories along with enhancing your overall mood by taking a walk.

2. Write It Down

Sometimes we are faced with situations that are too hard even to think about in terms of the whole picture. Or you get too stressed while deciding on a significant decision in your life, and your brain cannot organize your thoughts with all the stress inhabiting your body!

Then take a paper and a pen and write your every single thought. While you are in this process, you will realize that your brain is starting to calm down and your thoughts are aligning one by one, like the sentences on the paper.

Many successful people practice journaling every day, and it is highly recommended by clinical psychologists for quality mental health. But if you haven't started journaling or think that's too much work, you can simply write down your thoughts to get a clear picture when you are stressed.

3. Talk To Someone You Trust

You should never be embarrassed about getting help. Let's face it, we can't do it all! And we need some help from time to time. If you are stressed about something, try talking about it to someone you trust. A conversation with empathy and understanding can create an effect of safety and a judgement-free zone for you to share your worries.

You will also get an outsider perspective, which may be the most important thing you need since stress can cloud your brain with imaginary and impossible scenarios.

4. Pray To The Almighty

Making a habit of remembering Allah daily can bring a very positive effect in your life. Praying regularly can strengthen your bond with Allah, enhance your emotional stability, and give your life a divine purpose and peace.

Imagine that you are stuck in a very difficult situation and you are on the verge of a breakdown, but in this moment you remember that Allah has got your back and he has something great planned for you. Whatever you are facing now is just a river you need to cross.

Having a strong faith can be your powerful weapon to face this uncertain life that will test you immensely.

5. Eat Some Dark Chocolate

Chocolates are adored in this world for all the right reasons. The effects of chocolate on stress have amused many with their immediate results, and there are countless studies proving the direct effect of chocolate on stress hormones.

Dark chocolate can lower the blood pressure and reduce cortisol and epinephrine, which is another stress hormone. They are also known for their impressive cardiovascular health benefits. So, next time you are stressed, just grab a chocolate bar

6. Get All Your Senses Working

Do activities that awaken and engage all of your five senses and also get you moving. One of the simplest ways you can do this can be by cleaning your home or gardening. I love a good cleaning session when things just don't go right! And when I'm done, my mind is already distracted away from what was stressing me in the first place.

When your mind gets calm, you will see that it was never that big of a deal!

A clean space can also harbor positivity and welcome you to declutter your brain, all while shedding those extra desserts you had last meal!

7. Take A Nap

Taking a nap while you are stressed might sound bizarre, but give it a try; it has done me wonders! When you are stressed for a long period of time, or if your stress comes in such a copious amount that it drains your body, just go and take a nap.

Napping will reduce the stress hormones and promote the release of serotonin and dopamine, which will improve your overall energy and fuel your brain. Napping also lets you look into the stressful situation with a well-rested and calm brain, which only makes everything easier.

Take A Deep Breathe

Stress is a natural body response while facing challenging and difficult situations. While it's a survival response, stress is very harmful to our body and is the number one cause for degrading physical and mental health. But nothing to stress about! Always seek help when needed.

And take a deep breath when it gets too much for you and get back in touch with your body and mind through your breath.

I hope you found my tips for handling stress useful, and I hope you will try them out. If you have any more ideas to handle stress, please let me know about it.