Stress Less Challenge

In this week challenge you must Practice self-care Stress management can have a big impact on your overall happiness. If you feel frazzled, with no time to relax or enjoy your favorite activities, these self-care techniques may change your life.

4 self-care techniques for less stress

1. Take 10 to 20 minutes before bed or after waking up in the morning to have uninterrupted quiet time for deep breathing, prayer, visualizing your day or stretching. Resist the urge to have unnecessary distractions around during this time, like your phone, TV or other gadgets. Taking this time helps decompress the day, releases stress and communicates to your mind that you are a priority. This may feel strange or uncomfortable at first, but with practice, it can become a beneficial ritual.


2. Journaling is an excellent self-care tool, as it helps you process various challenges, validates your feelings and boosts critical thinking skills.create a “worry journal” of what stresses you out. Here are a few guidelines for creating your journal:
   • Be Specific: Include what the stressor is, when it happens, what or who makes it worse (and better!). You can hone in on a number of different stressors by looking at different categories like relationships, work, time, and health and well-being.
   • Prioritize: Rank the top three stressors that you would like to focus on for the next two weeks. You can give each specific stress category a rating from 1 to 5 based on how much distress it causes you.
   • Follow Up: Every day, write briefly about what stressors you experienced and what you want to change. As you engage in the daily challenges and follow our experts, record the actions you have taken to reduce your stress. Every few days, go back and rate again your top stressors to see if you’ve begun chipping away at your stress!


3. Move your body. Exercise is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that whatever is good for your heart is good for your brain, thereby making exercise one of the most important interventions for maintaining brain health. Additionally, it allows you to clear your mind and get a surge of endorphins. Choose activities you enjoy (yoga, dancing, group exercise) versus something you dread. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.


4. Spending time in nature can be replenishing and therapeutic. Whether you are taking a hike in the woods, working in a garden, or sitting in the backyard, observing the natural elements around you can still the mind and promote calm.

Suggested Reading:

9 Tips for Stress Relief - Learn more here.

Effective Stress Relievers for Your Life - Learn more here.