All of us can get very stressed out especially during this whole coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. We all just need to remember to calm down and breathe, though. Below are tips to help deal with and get rid of that stress.

1. Pray

Prayer is one of the most important things that you can do everyday. Prayer is also a way to center yourself and relieve stress. A prayer for guidance or help is a source of comfort and piece because we know we don’t have to be the one to always carries our burdens. We always have Someone to talk to Who will guide our every step and Who never leaves us. 

2. Breathe 

Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to calm down and re-center yourself when you are stressed out or in a stressful situation. Breathing deeply sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. Deep breathing exercises are a good way to reduce stress, relax, and relieve tension in your body and mind. 

A good deep breathing exercise is exhaling all the air in your lungs, keeping the empty/holding for 5 seconds, inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhaling for 4 seconds. Repeat that until you feel better, about 10 repetitions.

3. Get some physical activity

Exercising helps increase your overall health and wellbeing, but exercise also has direct stress relief by pumping feel-good neurotransmitters, endorphins, throughout your body. Endorphins also act as a painkiller and can improve your ability to sleep which helps reduce stress.

The repetitive movements of exercise will also help you focus on your movements instead of what is worrying you which helps clear your head and find a solution to your problem. 

Chances are, if you stay consistently active and healthy, you will have less to worry about, and you will have increased feelings of wellbeing and happiness. 

4. Get some more sleep

A lack of sleep doesn’t only affect our mood, eating habits, skin, and eyes but also stress. Ironically, stress can also affect our sleep by a cloud of stressful and overwhelming thoughts which will keep you from restful and peaceful sleep. Sleep can be a great and sometimes the perfect relaxation tool. 

5. Talk to someone

Talking to someone can help release any built up tension from stress. Talking to someone can help you slow down and find a soultion to your stressful situation. Even though it may not seem like much, just venting to someone and releasing some of that steam can be very beneficial for you. Talking can provide catharsis, meaning the feeling of relief. When we talk to someone, nothing has changed in our world, but talking can help vent some of the steam which can cause pain and bring relief.