How are things going? How’s work? The kids? Is life a little hectic? Are you feeling a little stressed? You’re not alone.

Stress is a common issue for many people. And it comes in many forms. But knowing how to relieve your stress can go a long way to help you manage it.

Need some help or ideas for managing your stress? Here are a few that might help!

• Talk It Out: When you feel the stress building, don’t hold it in. Find someone to talk to. Pick up your phone and call your bestie. Talk to your spouse after the kids go to bed. Schedule a Zoom meetup with your mom. And then, fill them in on what’s going on in your life. You may just need to vent or, perhaps, you want some advice, but either way – talk. And if one of these people can’t help you, reach out to a counselor or therapist. Many are doing Zoom appointments and have flexible hours – and they are the experts when it comes to stress.
• Watch What You’re Eating: When you are stressed, what’s your diet like? Do you stop eating? Do you reach for junk food? One part of taking care of yourself is eating a healthy diet – no matter how you are feeling. Seek to create a healthy eating plan that is well-balanced and provides you with the best nutrition possible. 
• Exercise: Even if you don’t feel like it, find time to exercise. A quick walk, your favorite spin class, or some yoga can help immensely. Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins boost your mood – so exercise is a win-win for the body and mind!
• Have a Good Laugh: You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine.” And, when it comes to stress – it may be true. A good laugh works much like exercise. It releases those endorphins that make you feel good. So, why not watch a good movie and laugh out loud? Not sure what to watch? Here is a list of 50 of the funniest movies ever made.
• Take a Deep Breath: You’ve probably had someone say this to you when they notice that you are stressed or anxious – that’s because it works. Deliberate breathing can help you decrease your stress. If you’ve never worked on intentional (deliberate) breathing, here are some tips to help.
• Get Some Rest: Is your stress affecting your sleep? Are you restless at night? Waking up at hours of the night? It’s not uncommon. While your stress can be affecting your sleep, a lack of sleep can be adding to your stress, too. Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep, and here are some tips that can help you get it. 
• Practice Mindfulness: You’ve probably heard “practice mindfulness” as a way to help with many things – and stress is one of those things. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, but what’s important is to find a way that works for you. Using mindfulness will help make you aware of your thoughts and feelings, which can help provide clarity on how to deal with them.
• Stay Positive: This may not be the easiest thing at the moment, but keep reminding yourself that things will change and that what you are currently going through is only temporary. And then adopt a positive attitude – even if you’re not feeling it at the moment.

When it comes to stress, acknowledge that you are going to experience it – and find a way to relieve it. Whether you use one of these ideas or another coping mechanism that works for you, know that stress is temporary, and you will get through it.