Stress management is always a difficult task for many. There are so many pressures in life to excel at your career, be there for your family, stay healthy, and to enjoy yourself despite all of the pressure. All of this is possible with the right tools under your belt to maintain all of these daily and weekly goals.

Even when work has you overwhelmed, your children need all of your free time, and you feel there is no room for healthy eating and exercise, there are some important ways to manage your stress that will make all areas of your life seem a lot more manageable and enjoyable.

Take a look at these top five stress management tools that will help you when the negative stress in your life is getting in the way of the good stresses that help you in your daily life, relationships, and your health.

Exercise

Not only does exercise make you strong physically, but it works to fight off the mental effects of stress as well. Exercise is known for giving you endorphins and improving your mood, while also making you feel strong and confident.

You’ll have a hard time feeling the stress at this morning’s board meeting after the strength you’ve gained from that workout earlier in the AM. Whether it’s a weekly yoga class, a high-intensity workout video, a run around the neighborhood, or dancing when no one’s watching, your body will thank you for it by fighting the stress and equipping you to manage the negative stress that comes your way each week. Don’t forget to turn on some music to get your brain going too. 

Nature and solitude

There is something to be said about the effects of nature on the mind. Getting outside each day for a moment of silence and appreciation your surroundings is really important. Even if it’s raining or snowing, it’s important that you get out and enjoy the feel of the wind, the smell of the grass, and the beauty of the trees.

Getting outside makes it much easier to put things into perspective and manage your stress. While a day at the park with your family may be the solution, some people take a moment for some solitude in nature to manage their stress. Take a walk to a nearby waterfall or read a book by a tree during your lunch hour without your cell phone bothering you and you may find your brain gets the rest it needs to problem solve later.

A sense of community

What you may need right now more than ever is a better sense of community by spending time around people that make you feel alive. Find time for family, new friends, or colleagues that you enjoy being around in order to lower your stress and your cortisol levels. Your health will improve when you share experiences with other people and have people to support you during difficult periods.

Take on a new hobby

In the busyness of life, you may forget to take time for your personal endeavors. Use your weekends to start up a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Learning makes us feel alive and gives us something different to focus on than the normal obligations.

You are never too old to learn something new and get good at something that is just for you. Learning a new skill will give you confidence, a new focus in your spare time, and something exciting to show off to your family.

Preventative care

One of the best ways to manage your stress is to take care of yourself before there is a problem. Preventative care is so important to keep yourself healthy. Eating healthy now will help you prevent the chances of becoming overweight or getting diabetes. Exercising now will help you be strong as you get older and your body naturally gets weaker.

Going to the doctor for an annual physical will help you spot potential problems in your body early on so that they can be healed and corrected from the start. That is why so many choose chiropractic care as a preventative measure, knowing that their body will benefit from adjustments when stress in the week can sometimes make things go out of whack. Be sure to eat well, exercise, and seek preventative care with a chiropractor to make sure your body is functioning at full capacity.

Use these tips to manage life’s stressors because self-care is so important to your health and happiness.