And How to Manage It
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Hey friends, I have to admit, I used to be the queen of stressing out about everything. You name it: work, life, even things that hadn’t happened yet. And if you’ve been there, you probably know that stress doesn’t just mess with your head—it takes a toll on your body, too. Here’s a little science to explain why.
When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. The problem is, your body can’t tell if you’re stressed because of a work deadline or because you’re lost on a deserted island. It reacts the same way either way. So, it goes into “store energy” mode, holding onto fat just in case you need it later. It’s like your body’s preparing for a disaster, even if the most dangerous thing in front of you is a presentation at work.
This used to stress me out even more. But over time, I’ve found some things that really helped me manage stress and keep my body (and mind) in check. Here are a few tips that worked for me:
If you’re looking for more tips on how to let go of stress and live with a little more ease, I recommend checking out my post Hakuna Matata—it’s all about releasing worry and embracing a more carefree mindset!
5 Ways I Beat Stress and Took Better Care of My Body
1. Get Moving
Exercise has been a game-changer for me. Whether it’s a quick walk outside or hitting the gym, moving my body always helps me de-stress. It lowers cortisol and gets those feel-good endorphins flowing. Plus, when I’m active, I’m too busy to overthink everything that’s stressing me out! If you’re looking for the best Fanny Pack/ Running Belt for running, jogging, or walking this one is it! It’s incredibly lightweight, and I can barely tell I’m wearing it when I run. It holds my phone and my keys, without bouncing around or feeling bulky. Plus it’s way more affordable than the Lululemon one. Honestly, it’s been a total game-changer for me!
2. Practice Mindfulness
I wasn’t always into mindfulness, but once I tried it, I realized how calming it can be. Now, I try to take a few minutes each day to just breathe and quiet my mind. Whether it’s deep breathing, a short meditation, or journaling, mindfulness has helped me slow down and focus, instead of letting stress run my day. Personally, I use journaling to stay mindful and focused on the positive, and I highly recommend The Five Minute Gratitude Journal—it’s a simple and effective way to start or end your day with gratitude.
3. Prioritize Sleep
For a long time, I thought I could just power through my days on little sleep. Spoiler: it didn’t work. Without enough rest, I was more stressed, and my body felt the effects. These days, I make sleep a priority because it really does make everything easier to handle. When I’m rested, I’m more resilient against stress, and my body feels more balanced.
4. Eat Well
It used to be so easy to reach for junk food when I was stressed, but over time, I realized it only made me feel worse. I’ve learned to focus on eating whole, nutrient-rich foods that fuel my body and help keep my energy stable. I’m no saint—I still enjoy treats—but balancing my diet with good foods has made a difference in how I feel overall.
5. Set Boundaries
This was a tough one for me because I’ve always been a “yes” person. But learning to set boundaries and say “no” when I need to has been huge for reducing stress. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary. If you struggle with saying no then you have to read my post Put That Donkey Down– it’s all about letting go of stress that comes from people-pleasing. I’ve learned that I don’t have to do it all, and that’s been a big stress reliever.
Stress used to run my life, but with these changes, I’ve learned how to manage it instead of letting it control me. Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to take over. By taking care of ourselves and our bodies, we can handle whatever life throws at us—without letting stress weigh us down.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on managing stress and what’s helped you! Leave a comment below or find me on Instagram and Pinterest. We’re all in this together, so let’s support each other on this journey to a healthier, more balanced life!
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