When I feel frantic and stressed out, the last thing I want to do is slow down and refocus - it feels like I’ll be taking time away from the tasks at hand. I am the type to get overwhelmed if I have a lot going on, and my head gets muddled up with all of things I need to do and keeps me from devoting my undivided attention to one thing at a time, thereby really hindering my progress.
If you’re anything like me, a good strategy or two to keep productivity high and anxiety at bay when the going gets tough is a necessity! I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you all so that perhaps you can also find some relief in these strategies - keeping myself comfortable in the midst of a crazy life is a skill that’s come in handy many times!
Strategy #1: Make a list of all that you want/need to accomplish.
My mom is one of the wisest people I know, and this is a classic out of her playbook. If you take all of the thoughts running around in your head and get them down on paper, not only does your thinking become clearer without all the mental clutter, but the pressure to remember everything that needs doing is instantly removed. For me, this frees up a lot of space in my mind and allows me to zero in on one thing at a time until it’s finished and I can cross it off my list! I love watching my volume of tasks dwindle as I scribble them out - it’s such a relief and so satisfying!
Strategy #2: Focus on your breathing.
Even taking a single minute to disconnect from the moment and take a few long, slow deep breaths can be so calming and rejuvenating. As you breathe, focus on filling up your lungs slowly and listening to the sound of releasing your breath. I like to try to keep all thoughts out of my head for just that short 60 seconds, and when I’ve finished taking those purposeful breaths I return to my day with increased clarity and feelings of relaxation.
Strategy #3: Swim.
If you can, going for a swim in a pool or the ocean is one of the most soothing activities available. It gives you the opportunity to be alone with your own thoughts but not in complete silence, with only the sounds of the water moving around you. The sensation of the water touching your skin and giving you the feeling of weightlessness lets you just float away from whatever is stressing you out - you can also choose to increase the intensity if you need to blow off a little steam or expend some anxious energy. I would definitely recommend ending with a slow, relaxed approach so that you exit the water feeling tranquil and at peace, ready to face whatever comes next.
What do you do to relieve stress?
I’d love to hear if you like these techniques or if something else works for you - since stress is an uncomfortable sensation that affects us all, I think sharing our favorite ways to beat it would be helpful for everyone!
Please feel free to comment, upvote, or resteem if you’d like :)
I appreciate any and all support and feedback!