Five Ways to Help Beat Stress

Monday, May 26, 2025

We might be in the best time of our lives, but sometimes stress takes over. A little stress can be good because it pushes us to get things done or solve problems. But too much stress can make us feel overwhelmed and unable to handle everyday situations. That's why managing stress is important for our overall health

When we start to feel stressed, it's important to have healthy ways to release it. This can help us relax and is good for both our mental and physical health.

Five Ways to Take Care of Yourself

What calms you relax may be different than your best friend or family member. Explore these areas of self-care and see what works best for you:  

1. Make Time for ‘Me Time.’ Just as you do for doctors’ and dentists’ appointments, schedule time for your mental self-care. Block time in your calendar for mood-boosting activities, like:

Moving your body. Dancing, swimming, walking, tai chi and other types of exercise are great for both physical and mental health.  Pack a healthy snack to refuel your body when you are done.

Reading a book. When our own world seems to be a bit much, escaping into a story is a nice diversion.

Working on your hobbies. These are things you love to do, so carve out some time and do them!

Taking a bath. Luxuriate in the tub. For added relaxation, light some scented candles or use aromatherapy.

Journaling. Writing down your thoughts which may help clear your mind.

Prioritizing sleep. Getting good quality sleep  can help you feel mentally clear and refreshed each morning.

2. Surrender to Forces Bigger Than You. Think of when you were a child. It felt good to be enveloped into an embrace, cared for and protected. We can get the same feeling in a variety of ways as an adult, by:

Getting outside and communing with nature. Feeling the warm sun on your face or the wind in your hair can be rejuvenating, refreshing, even soothing. For indoor days, listening to nature sounds on your electronic device is a good substitute.

Praying or seeking spiritual guidance. For some, spiritual activities and rituals can be a powerful source of comfort and connection.

Meditating or practicing yoga. Simply listening to the sound of your own breath or trying to clear away thoughts through meditation can be an effective way of calming the mind.

3. Take Out Your Stress. Let’s face it – there are some days when that stress bubble grows so large that you just want to explode. Channel that energy into something constructive, like:

Using a punching bag. It’s a terrific upper body workout. No bag? Try shadowboxing or throwing darts at a dartboard.

Pumping iron. Lifting medium to heavy weights or doing some kind of high intensity, vigorous activity like running or power walking gets your heart pumping.

Baking. Punching dough when baking bread or whacking cake pans to get the air bubbles out of the batter not only helps bring your stress levels down, but you’ll also have something delicious to enjoy later!

Getting a massage. Unknotting tense muscles can be a powerful stress reliever. You don’t need an expensive spa day – even a chair massage kiosk in the mall or a drop-in session at a reflexology (foot massage) clinic can be just what you need.

4. Spend Time with Others. ‘Me time’ is great but connecting with others is important, too. Here are some things you can do:

Call a friend. Better yet, meet up in person.

Volunteer. Helping others helps us feel better. Find opportunities near you and do things you enjoy.

Share a meal with someone. Take time to nourish your body while you eat and connect with a friend or family member

Cuddle with an animal. Having a pet can reduce stress and anxiety. No pet at home? Volunteer at an animal shelter, offer to care for a friend’s pet or see if there’s a cat café nearby to visit.

5. Seek Professional Help. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. The first step is always the hardest, but it's worth it. The Canadian Mental Health Association is a good place to start for information and resources. You can also talk to your family doctor for a referral to a licensed professional or check with your insurance provider to see which healthcare practitioners are covered by your medical plan. Telehealth services are also helpful, especially if you live in a rural area.

As you can see, there are many ways to manage your stress and support your mental health. Taking the time to find what works best for you is a good investment in yourself!