5 Must-Know Ways to Manage Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress are all too normal parts of the everyday American’s daily life. According to recent polls, researchers found that Americans reported the highest levels of stress, worry, anger, and depression in decades. In fact, anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the United States alone. And what’s worse, those stats aren’t getting any better as time progresses.

If you feel anxious most of the time, know that you are not alone. You know first-hand that constant stress and anxiety can significantly impact your daily life and put pressure on your mood, energy, career, and relationships. From preventing you from going out to have a good time to causing ceaseless feelings of hopelessness and fatigue, there is no exaggeration in stating the fact that stress and anxiety can dictate your life.

Fortunately, there is a spectrum of simple ways you can manage those feelings and get on with your life. In this post, we’ll share five of our tried and true methods that are sure to deliver the peace of mind you deserve from the stress and anxiety looming over you.

1. Practice breathing exercises

Most experts that specialize in studying depression and anxiety claim that using relaxation techniques can help you concentrate on your energy, emotions, and body rather than focusing on the stressors that are causing you distress. Paying close attention to your breathing pattern serves as an excellent reminder that despite what your mind may say, you are okay, you are safe, and you can return back to center.

Try out this universal breathing exercise next time you’re feeling overwhelmed

  1. Lie down in a comfortable position
  2. Place one hand on your stomach just below your ribcage and one hand on your chest
  3. Inhale deeply through your nose, letting your stomach push your hand out
  4. Exhale through your mouth slowly and controlled
  5. Repeat until you feel at ease

2. Use CBD

Most people who struggle with anxiety are turning to CBD because it offers all-natural sensations of relaxation and composition that can assist with all of the emotional struggles you might encounter. If you are battling with managing your anxiety, CBD can assist with those feelings of being overwhelmed and overstimulated. Wondering how you can introduce CBD into your daily life? Consider starting with CBD drops, CBD gummies, or CBD pills.

3. Find calming hobbies

If you’re in search of some long-term anxiety relief, consider taking up a hobby. Having a hobby is a lot like getting into exercise— it can be difficult to commit to if you’re not 100% in love with it. That’s precisely why it’s so important to find a pastime that truly lights up your spirit and speaks to your energy. The right hobby will help you divert your worries derived from life’s everyday stressors.

Not sure of what hobbies might interest you? Check out this lengthy list to see if anything ignites your fire.

  • Jewelry making
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Running
  • Plant collecting
  • Hiking
  • Baking
  • Dancing
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Sculpting
  • Knitting
  • Fishing
  • Scrapbooking
  • Cross-stitching
  • Journaling
  • Coding
  • Watercoloring

4. Get some exercise

Exercising is a great way to kickstart your mental and physical health. Mood-boosting hormones are activated in your brain the moment you get your muscles going, leaving you feeling happy, calm, and balanced. Daily exercise is a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of your reality and open your mind when life seems most trying.

If you find it difficult to stick to a regular fitness routine, you must make it a point to find an activity you genuinely enjoy.  Although working out may not be the most appealing option when you could be cozied up on the couch watching Netflix, exercising will do a great deal of good for your mind and body—much more than any TV binging could do.

Luckily, there are a variety of more low-key exercises that you can undertake that are both fun and easy to indulge in, including:

  • Cycling
  • Yoga
  • Rollerblading
  • Paddleboarding
  • Swimming

5. Meditate

There are a sprawling variety of science-based meditation therapies that may sound too good to be true, but with a little meditation time carved out in your schedule, you can teach yourself how to maintain your balance even while stressed.

Read up on these popular meditation types:

How do you cope with stress and anxiety? With these must-know tips, you’ll be able to approach tomorrow’s stressors with a level-head and carefully thought out mediation methods.