10 Ways to Relax When You're Too Stressed

What helps one person get through a stressful situation is definitely different for each person. Here are some things that I’ve found that have helped me with either stressful situations or just times in life that have seemed more stressful in general.

10 Ways to Relax When You’re Too Stressed

1. Prayer. It’s a pretty darn good go-to in most situations, isn’t it? I find that sometimes when I’m super stressed though, I’ll start rehashing it all to God. Of course, He knows it already and then I’m often still stressed because I just spent the whole time milling over what was upsetting me.

I find it more calming in those times to either just sit in silent prayer (no thoughts, just stillness) or to do a Christ-centered deep breathing, thinking “Je” on a deep breath in and “sus” on a full breath out.

2. Music. Listen to your favorite music. I find that in stressful times, I prefer either very loud and fast music or music by Christian bands. Music that is fast, loud, and by Christian bands is even better. It also needs to be something I can sing along to, as that helps to refocus my thoughts onto the words, rather than whatever stress-filled thoughts I’m having.

3. Take a nap. Some things just seem a lot more manageable when you’re well rested.

4. Meet with a friend for coffee/tea/soda/whatever. Even if you don’t want to talk about what’s stressing you out, it can be so wonderful just to sit and visit.

5. Do some physical activity. It can help to clear your mind by going on a walk, a bike ride, exercise, Just Dance for the Wii

, or whatever your physical activity of choice is.

6. Play with your kids. You know, if you have kids. But, this one comes with a caveat. Don’t let them pick the game or activity. If they pick something that you find tedious, you’re just going to feel more stressed. Pick something that will be fun for all of you.

7. Go outside. Deeply breathing in fresh air and getting some sunshine can be very centering.

8. Seek out physical contact. Whether you snuggle with your kids, get a massage from your spouse, or get a long hug from a friend, it can help just to feel connected to someone else.

9. Problem solve with a trusted friend or family member. When I was feeling all angst-filled this weekend over blog stuff, it was so nice being able to reach out to some of my very best blogging friends. They told me things that I knew I needed to think about (which would mean more work), but more so, it was just knowing that I have them as friends who understand where I am and what I need. Although, with them spread all over the country, I told Eric that I just wanted to say that I would fly them all to me to work through my issues.

10. Get creative. Paint, write, sculpt, do needle crafts, play an instrument – whatever it is that speaks most to you and your heart.

What things do you do to find some relaxation and peace of mind when you’re stressed?

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