Whether you’re bogged down with work, busy with honors courses, or worrying over financial issues, stress has a way of reaching out and taking hold of our brains. If this happens to you, that’s okay, because you’re not alone. Getting stressed out every once in a while is perfectly normal, especially today, but it’s crucial that we are able to keep it under control when things become too overwhelming. Here are a few tips for staying relaxed when you become stressed.

Get Some Exercise

Believe it or not, getting just thirty minutes of exercise a day can be enough to boost not only your physical health but also your mental state. It will release endorphins, you will feel accomplished, and you will also begin to see a change in your body over time. This does not mean you have to commit your life to powerlifting; go for walks, ride a bike, take a dive in a pool, and if you wish to lift some weights along the way, then have at it! The activity you choose to perform is irrelevant. The important part is ensuring that you actually get some physical movement going. This might not sound like a trip to the amusement park, and for some, it might not be, but try it out for yourself. Even if only for a month, that way you give yourself an actual chance.

Unplug Your Brain

Take a deep breath. Step away from the pile of files stacked on your desk. What you really need is to disconnect yourself from your work and relax. This might mean clearing your mind and watching an episode of your favorite show, for others, it could be getting lost in an engaging book, or possibly even working on a hands-on project, like woodworking or painting. If you’ve got a hobby that tends to put you in a good mood, try to separate yourself from the stress and enjoy the moment to increase your mental health.

Let It Out

Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to sit down and talk about your problems. Get together with your friends, family, boyfriend, girlfriend, or even a psychiatrist if you feel it would be beneficial. A good venting session might be just the thing you need to get something off your chest, or even simply spending time with others that you care about can be enough to lighten your mood. Nobody would blame you for talking to your dog after a long day of work, either.

Ending Thoughts

Stress can get the best of us all, but it’s important to be able to combat the waves of pressure that attempt to drown us. Whether it is through exercising, venting to your friends, or just taking a giant step back, doing whatever you can do to reset your brain will prove to be a valuable asset in your arsenal of coping with everyday struggles.