I haven’t done a mental health post for a while, but in today’s post, I am going to be sharing a few easy ways to manage and reduce stress. I am currently feeling a bit stressed out with final year uni work, and I’ve currently got Covid. I have missed a few lectures, and my asthma is making my cough linger. Hopefully, I will get a negative test soon and be able to get back to studying. The methods in today’s post have been tried and tested for a few years now so there will be something for everyone.
Featured photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
Bullet journaling
As I have mentioned before, bullet journaling helps my mental health and stress levels so much. I love that I can be creative which is a great way to get out of your head and reduce stress. But also that I can organise my life through lists, and track my habits, and mood while being my diary all in one. Since I have been bullet journaling for so long, I love to look back on my past themes and how my moods have changed.
Related post: How my bullet journal helped my mental health
Listen to an audiobook
I have never really been one for audiobooks, but when I’m ill, my eyes hurt too much to read. I found that listening to something very calming like Winnie The Pooh helped me to relax (and sent me to sleep). Listening or reading something light-hearted is best, rather than something that might give you nightmares. I always have strange, vivid dreams when I am stressed, particularly if my exam results are coming up!
Play online games
Playing online games helps your mind to be distracted. For about a year now, I have been playing spider solitaire when I am stressed because it helps take my mind off things for a few minutes. But on the Solitaire website, I have found a whole new range of games that I have been enjoying.
Up first is Nonogram which is a puzzle that I used to play on my way to college a few years back! They really do range in difficulty, but I love when they are coloured because it creates a nice picture. This one below is good because I think they all added up to 15 which makes it nice and easy. You definitely want an easy, relaxing game if you are feeling stressed out.
The next game that I like playing online is the Gin Rummy card game. The object of the game is to find a sequence of numbers or the same number with different suits. I used to love playing the tile game when I was younger so this was fun to rediscover!
There are so many good games on the website, and they are exactly my kind of games/puzzles so I could easily spend hours playing them! I also enjoy playing Blackjack because it’s just for fun with no pressure, Crazy Eights and Battleships.
Speak to friends, family and teachers
As I said earlier, a lot of my current stress is coming from being a bit behind with university work. I am currently working on my dissertation and I’m getting stressed from that. But I think the best thing to do, is to speak to my supervisor. She is there to help and guide me. It is also worth speaking to your friends, especially if you are both in the same situation. It can be reassuring to speak to other people going through the same things as you.
Related post: Supporting your child when they’re feeling overwhelmed
Have a brain dump
One thing that can be super helpful when you are trying to reduce stress levels is just having a brain dump. A brain dump is where you get a piece of paper, and literally just write down everything that you are thinking about. If you want to make it more organised, you could colour-code it into sections like friends, university, home etc. At school, my tutor would call this a worry bucket. It’s the same sort of idea.
This is one of my favourite ways to reduce stress because once you have written it down, you can objectively look at it. You can start sorting it into lists and divide up your time to focus on the tasks which should reduce your worries.
Continue reading: 6 easy ways to manage and reduce stress
Have a cup of tea
This is such a British thing to say, but having a cup of tea helps relax my mind! I think I do some of my best uni work, with a cup of tea next to me. Recently I have started to drink herbal teas which I also find work well to reduce stress. I think it’s Twinnings that have specific teas for unwinding, detoxing etc. but my favourite herbal tea is Pukka’s turmeric gold. The next time you are feeling stressed, make yourself a cup of tea (oat milk is the best).
What do you do to manage and reduce stress?
Best wishes, Cx
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haha I love the british cuppa! These are all great ways to reduce stress – when the weather’s nice, I’m a big fan of gardening or going for a walk too x
mia // https://miasdiyprojects.com/
Me too! x
Great post! Somehow, I’ve never heard of a brain dump before, and I’m excited to try! That seems incredibly up my own alley. Thank you very much for sharing this list. 🙂
Thank you, I hope it works!
I love these tips. I think online games really help as long as they don’t cause more stress!
Thank you
I don’t bullet journal, but I find journalling in general, just writing how I’m feeling is really theraputic for me when I’m feeling negative emotions. I love gaming as well, I always jump on Red Dead Redemption when I’m feeling low!
That sounds good!
Stress can cause me so much anxiety. When I feel like that I hang out with my family, watching my favourite tv show or film, play my games on my phone or journal can really help. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Lauren.
I totally agree x
I love these tips! I usually go to a park on the top of the hill, sit, and drink a coffee while looking at the view. These are the things I do to reduce my stress.
That sounds really calming 🙂
Great post Caroline! Having a cup of tea is really relaxing, I especially love the lavender or chamomile ones. Doing brain dumps helps a lot too. Thank you for sharing!
Definitely x
Wow I forgot just how relaxing playing solitaire on the computer was. I might use this game to de stress and take a break from my work. Great post.
Definitely recommend!
I also struggle with stress & anxiety.. however I do keep bullet journaling, I found that trackers in general gives me a sense of stress in general 😅 either by guilting me when I haven’t done what’s on the tracker or just forgetting about it and then feeling bad.
Similar to online games, I quite like the cosy gaming on my switch! Animal Crossing is usually a crowd favorite, but farming simulations like My Time at Portia & Wylde Flowers is also part of my favorites. Ofcourse Sims 4 on my mac is a really good one too- I used to have shadow pain from my mother’s and playing it would distract me from it.
Writing in general always works wonder for clearing my brain, and especially when something’s swirling in my thoughts and I can’t sleep.
Oh no! I sometimes relate to that feeling, but mainly I do health trackers like water intake, tiredness etc. I love playing Sims 4 as well.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re not well Caroline. How stressful when you have exams coming up! These are all helpful tips! Stress relief to me is all about walking – either listening to an audiobook or podcast, music or just in silence.
I love that idea
I might need to start listening to audiobooks. When I have a bad day, I like to watch my favorite TV shows or film, read a book, or have a cup of coffee 😀 I love these tips, Caroline! Thanks for sharing x
Yes, I love to do all those things too x
A good cuppa just solves everything right?
Absolutely!
These are amazing tips! Thank you so much. I’ve been wanting to get into audio books!
Thanks
Great post!! Everyone needs these and it’s always good to have new ideas. I love the bullet journaling and cup of tea idea super good suggestions: ) Thanks for sharing!
Thank you x
Speaking to someone helps me to manage any stress I am putting myself under! Playing online games can be incredibly stress-inducing and relaxing x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Indeed, playing games has benefits and it does help in reducing stress. A lot of people think about games negatively but in moderation, it’s a great way to channel our creativity and release stress.
I agree x
These are great tips. I’ve tried & tested them, apart from audiobooks. I am loving podcasts though, so audiobooks is my next step!
Hope you enjoy
These are good suggestions. I’ve found listening to music can really help me as can playing a game on my phone. I think we all just need a distraction every now and again.
I agree x
I love all these ideas on reducing stress. I definitely need to implement some of them in my life. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you
Get ideas you’ve shared here! I do enjoy having a cuppa with a friend and brain dumping. At night I find myself playing games on my phone though, it’s nice getting my brain focused on something else.
Definitely x
These are great ways to help reduce stress. I enjoy listening to audiobooks too and they can be very calming. Also, I love playing games, and it is good to have someone to talk to.
I agree x