8 Proven Ways to Manage Stress

According, to a recent study by the American Psychological Association (APA), millennials (age’s 18- 28) are the most stressed out of all generational groups. Due to mounting economic and job-related pressures, it’s no wonder why this group is so affected by stress.

Here are some quick tips for managing and reducing your everyday stress level.

Seek Out Help

Now more than ever, help for anxiety and stress can be found everywhere from college campuses to right around the corner. The American College Counseling Association discovered that last year 2.2 million students attended their college-counseling center. Do not be afraid to let friends and family know what you’re going through and get the treatment you need.

Take breaks

Research has proven that taking breaks throughout the day or during stressful periods can immensely reduce the amount of anxiety you feel. This can also enhance your focus on your tasks and improve productivity. Meditate, reading a book, listen to music or simply drink a warm beverage to soothe your mind. It may seem difficult, but when you allow yourself to move your mind away from your stressors, you can give yourself a much-needed break.

Listen to Music

Taking some time to sing or listen to music can greatly reduce your stress and clear your head. Music causes the brain to release endorphins and serotonin, which are responsible for making you happy and at peace. It also helps your bodies’ immune response.

Try Eco-therapy

This is commonly known as nature therapy and can eliminate the anxiety you're feeling. Many health care providers are giving their patients "nature prescriptions" in which they are instructed to spend a certain amount of time outdoors with some natural herbs such as Kratom capsules. So, if you have time to take a stroll in the great outdoors keep in mind it could help you mentally and physically.

Play Mini Games

Short online games, puzzles, Sudoku, and crosswords can distract the mind from the anxiety. Meanwhile, it also exercises your brain and gives it more elasticity. They are a fun and easy way to mange your stress level throughout the day.

Laugh!

As the saying goes, laughter really is sometimes the best medicine. Put yourself in situations where you’re bound to laugh. Hang out with your friends or watch a funny show. Laughing gives your immune system a boost and adds more oxygen to your body. Stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine tend to decrease while laughing.

Try Positive Affirmation

This means giving yourself that needed confidence boost everyday. By taking the time out to say positive statements to yourself everyday you are building up your self-esteem and confidence while lowering your stress. By believing more in yourself and your capabilities you can greatly lower your stress

Get creative

Creativity can lead to the release of feel-good hormones in the body that can make you feel happier. Do something you’ve always wanted to do but have been putting off for a while. This could be sketching, painting, meditating or even learning how to cook a new dish. Remember that there are no rules. You don’t have to be perfect at it – simply get started and watch your stress melt away!

Michael Kelly is a Freelancer Writer, Entrepreneur and passionate blogger. A writer by day and a reader by night.