11 Steps to Managing Stress in the New Year
Welcome to our first blog post of the new year – hindsight is officially 2020! With the holidays behind us, many of us are still coping with a number of stressors even as we plan for a better year in 2021. Around the country, virtual work and school is still the norm, COVID-19 numbers are rising and wintry weather puts limits on outdoor activity. It’s easy to feel cooped up and stressed in the dreariness of winter, but there are some things you can do to stay positive and upbeat as we all begin the wait for spring.
Relax! Too much hurry in your day-to-day life only induces stress. Eat, work and walk at a relaxed pace. Take a short break after meals to relax; don’t jump right back into work.
Enjoy what you do. By focusing your mind on things other than your problems, you can keep stress at bay. Do something enjoyable whenever you can.
Appreciate the outdoors. The simplicity of the outdoors – pretty clouds, birds, etc. – often go unnoticed. If you can, do outside at least once a day – or pause by the window to gaze at nature – to reduce your stress level naturally.
Loosen up. Stress causes tension in our neck, diaphragm and shoulders. If you’re feeling stressed out, take deep breaths and roll your shoulders to release tension from those areas.
Re-focus. When we’re worrying, our minds can race. If you find your mind racing, refocus on something around you to help you slow down and take your mind off your worries.
Take breaks. Don’t work continuously for long hours.
Kick off your shoes. Dressing comfortably and wearing loose clothing can help you relax.
Vent (in a positive way). Never hold your feelings in for long periods of time. Finding a safe place or a trusted confidant with whom you can air your feelings is an important part of self-care. Your journal can be a valuable tool in helping sort out your stress.
Breathe. Breathing is one of the most effective stress relief tips. To reduce stress, you have to breathe deeply by inhaling through your nose, pulling all the air into the depths of your lungs. Hold this position for a count of six and then exhale through the mouth for a further count of six. Take care to not hyperventilate; if you feel light-headed or dizzy, resume normal breathing.
Take some time for you. It can be anything like dancing, listening to music, hiking, praying, taking photographs, walking on the beach or swimming. Make a list of easy things you like to do and try to do at least three of them every day. Small activities can be the best stress busters!
Do you have a stress relief tip to add to the list? Tell us in the comments!