5 Tips for Minimizing Stress

1. Give guided imagery a try Guided imagery is the ultimate break for your mind. It involves picturing oneself in a serene environment. Some choose to recall joyous past memories. Others enjoy envisioning themselves in the future. For instance, you could try picturing yourself relaxing at a beach after you finish work. The calming images will surely lessen your stress levels.

2. Create a to do list One of the most common causes for stress is being unprepared. The simplest way to make sure you are not put in this situation is through making a to do list. Write down all of your goals for the day and week. As you go about your day, glance at the list to remind yourself of your duties and cross of anything you have accomplished.

3. Remind yourself of what you are thankful for Too often, we find ourselves stressing over every last detail in our lives. It is crucial to remember that ultimately, minor mistakes are not going to make or break you. Rather, what matters far more is our relationships and passions. So, be sure to take a moment to reflect upon all that you are grateful for and to stop stressing over every imperfection in your life.

4. Stop criticizing yourself for having flaws; rather see your strengths While criticism can be helpful, it can also be harmful to one’s self image. You could be overly critical if you are feeling as though you are never enough. If this sounds like you, try to seek feedback from outside sources, like friends or co-workers. They may boost your confidence while still giving you valuable input. Instead, find what you are skilled at. Improve your ability to perform that activity and watch your confidence rise while minimizing stress!

5. Develop an exercise routine Distancing yourself from your stressors is another effective way to reduce or eliminate unnecessary worrying. A commonly utilized method would be exercise, yoga, or even meditation. Doing some light physical activity helps boost your mood by releasing endorphins, or “happiness hormones.” Plus, you get the added benefit of exploring a new hobby while being physically active!