5 Ways I Cope With Stress

Stress is inevitable.  There is no getting away from stress.  It seems to be part of the human experience.  Some of us have more stress than others.  It can also depend on the season of life we are in at the moment.  Lately I have been thinking of things I do to cope with stress.  Here are 5 things I came up with that help me.  I think it is definitely worth it to find out what works for you.

Get Moving
I don't know if there is enough room in this post to explain how much this helps me!  There is something about moving my body and the release of endorphins that seems to make the stress in my life seem more manageable.  Going for a walk, riding my bike, hiking, heading to the gym...whatever it is, it always seems to help when I experience stress.

Sleep
Sometimes I think I create my own stress simply by not getting enough sleep.  I cannot overstate how getting enough rest makes HUGE stressors in my life diminish to a normal size.  Sleep is crucial for me in managing stress.

Create
Making something with my hands - drawing, painting, taking pictures, crafting - finding a creative outlet helps me focus on something besides the stressors in my life.  It also helps me release excess tension and use it to create something beautiful.

Nature
I love being among God's beautiful creations.  It helps me foster mindfulness.  Being outdoors and in nature helps to clear my mind.  There is something soothing to me about being in nature and taking in all of its beauty.

Laughter
Nothing alleviates my stress like a good laugh.  Take time to smile every single day!  I know it helps me.  Find a funny video on YouTube or a silly meme on Pinterest.  Talk to a friend and reminisce about the hilarious adventures of days gone by.  Laughter always lifts my spirits.


While not an exhaustive list, these are a few things that help me.  Perhaps they can help you too.  What are some things you do to cope with stress?


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I am not a doctor or licensed professional.  This is only a list of things that help me.  If you are experiencing extreme amounts of stress, seek help from a professional, and/or follow the advice of your doctor.