Are you interested in improving your stress levels? If you are feeling more stressed than usual, you’re not alone. I think most of us walk around with a lot of weight on our shoulders. We’re busy. We’re often too busy. When you add to that all of the things we think about daily…the sum total is stress. It’s not good for our health. It’s not good for our relationships. It’s not good for our families.

But what can we do about it? How can we lessen the stress we feel each day? Here are 9 tips and tricks for managing your stress levels:

Know Your Triggers

First, you need to recognize some of the common triggers that cause your stress. Of course, everyone is different, but there are certain things that common causes of stress for a lot of people. Is your job causing you a large amount of stress? It would be nice to think you could just walk away from it, but that’s not always a realistic option. Are you bringing all of that stress home with you? Do you feel like you are always on duty? You might need to take a look at your work-life balance and seek ways to adjust it as needed.

If it’s not work, what in your personal life is keeping you stressed? A certain relationship? Volunteer commitments? Consider what changes you can make in your life to improve your stress levels. Maybe you just need to find a better way to relax in your spare time. Small changes can make a big difference.

Get Enough Sleep

One of the small changes that can reap huge benefits is making sure you get enough sleep at night. Sleep is a critical component for your health. Life is overwhelming enough on a daily basis. When you’re overtired, difficult problems can seem insurmountable. 

Sleep is one of the issues I need to work on right now.

One thing that might help is evaluating your sleep environment. There are two distinct problems in my sleep environment right now. First, we need a new bed. Or maybe a new mattress. Ours is old and not nearly as supportive as it used to be. We also need some new pillows, but to be honest, I always feel overwhelmed when choosing them. It’s hard to know which ones are best for you, isn’t it? Mattresses are the same way because some people prefer them softer than others, so be sure to read reviews and test them out before you invest in a new one.

Just Take a Deep Breath

When I feel really stressed out, I will sometimes just take a few minutes and sit in a quiet place and breathe deeply. You’d be surprised how much it can help! I’m sure there are other breathing techniques can help calm you if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and the great thing is you can usually do them anywhere. 

Look At Your Diet

Another thing to consider is your diet. If you’re like me, when you’re stressed, some of the things that sound the best are not the best for you, and when I’m rushed, I tend to eat more junk than I normally would. When your diet isn’t balanced, your mind and body are affected. It really is that simple so be sure you’re getting the nutrients you need, even if you need to add some supplements to fill the gaps. Talk to your healthcare provider about it because sometimes a simple blood test can tell you what you need!

Take A Break

One major thing that can help deal with high levels of stress is simply taking a break. If you have time you can take off work, do it. You may have a bucket list of destinations you’ve always wanted to visit, and now is a great time to start. Your break doesn’t have to be big, though. When I lived in Nairobi, one of my favorite ways to relax was to go to the movies. It was a rather inexpensive thing to do at that time, and I could enjoy an hour and a half of my home culture. I was able to head back out into the city a bit more relaxed and refreshed.

Develop and Deepen Friendships

When you are super busy, taking time to visit with friends sometimes gets put on the back burner. To be honest, it’s one of the first things I tend to sacrifice, and it shouldn’t be. I have one friend who is so good about keeping up with people, and when I take the time to sit down with her over coffee, I never regret it. Stop and think about what you’re focusing on and remember  friends can last a lifetime. 

Get A New Hobby

Something else to try is finding a new hobby. My husband would tell you I am an expert at finding a new hobby. Keeping one is a different story, but what can I say? I like to learn new things. When I am stressed and my mind is reeling, repetitive things like decorating cookies, crocheting, painting, or carving linoleum blocks helps me stop worrying and relax. Try something new! If you have always wanted to learn a language, use a language app on your phone and start learning. If you enjoy singing, join a choir. You don’t always have to go out to find a new hobby. Find a game you like to play and do that. Games could include checkers, chess, or even solitaire if that’s what you enjoy. I like to play Phase10 on my phone. Whatever works for you!

Speak To A Professional 

Finally, there is one thing you can do if you have exhausted all other strategies and techniques. Speaking to a professional such as a counselor or psychologist can really give you insight into what is causing your stress levels to skyrocket. It might be something as feeling as though you have to do everything for everyone. There could be things from your past that you need to talk to someone about. Make sure you do your research when it comes to finding the right person to talk to. I truly believe in finding a Christian counselor if you need one. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and do not be embarrassed or ashamed.

Ask a Friend to Pray With You

One of the best things you can do when you are stressed is pray, and sometimes praying with a friend is even better.  After all, God’s word says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.