How I Handle Stress

I've been a bit more stressed as of late. You may recall I'm currently going through this whole fiasco. But there are a few tried and true ways I destress.


Read a Book
I don't know if I've mentioned this (only a million times) but I love reading. There is nothing better than forgetting all your troubles by diving into someone else's. What makes it even better is that their lives are all ready figured out and nicely wrapped at the end! No judging, thinking, questioning, or making decisions on your part. Just read and relax.

Take a Bath/Shower
I'm not a bath person but even just standing underneath the shower will relax your mind and body. And who says you can only use bath scents/bombs in the bathtub? Try them in the shower. The fragrances will leave you feeling calm, cool, and collected.

Watch TV or a Movie
This is similar to reading a book. These people's lives are already scripted so even if things don't go exactly as planned you know that nothing will be THAT bad. Watching TV just lets your mind wander in a great way.

Read an Article About Someone Who Has It Worse Or Bounced Back From Failure
So you're super stressed because you just lost your company a thousand dollars in what was a true, noncriminal accident? Hey, don't worry. Read an article about someone who lost their job and went bankrupt and then became the next Bill Gates or whatever. Stress tends to stem from the fact that whatever we are stressing about is the absolute.worst.thing.possible and for the most part -- that's simply not true. It's easy to calm down, think rationally, and de-escalate problems when you put them into perspective.

Yoga & Breathing Exercises
I love yoga. I don't do it as often as I should (10$ a class? Who am I, Mr. Monopoly?) but there are great YouTube channels devoted to easy, de-stressing, no-equipment yoga postures that will relieve the tension from your shoulders, open those hips up, and will have you focused on your breath rather than the horrible customer who just won't go away.

Listen to Happy Music or Dramatic Soundtracks 
Nothing makes somebody happier than hearing their favorite catchy tune. That's why you should definitely have a Happy Playlist. But sometimes I find that listening to an action or dramatic soundtrack makes me feel as if I'm in a super important position of power, like Batman, and you can't just go throwing stress tantrums. Instead, you let the music guide you to find ways to defeat The Joker. Or use the Sherlock soundtrack to figure out who's been stealing your homemade lunches.



What are some of the ways you de-stress? Do we de-stress in some of the same ways?