Chill Out, Dude: A Guide to Stress-Less Living

Anxiety: that pesky little gremlin that loves to crash your chill vibes. Don't worry, you're not alone! Millions of people grapple with this overthinking overlord. But fear not, there are ways to wrestle this worry monster back into its cage. Let's dive in!

1. Talk It Out: Sharing your feelings can be like letting out a big sigh of relief. Find a trusted friend, family member, or even a therapist to unload on. Talking about your worries can help lighten the load and offer fresh perspectives.

2. Move It, Groove It: Let’s face it, life can be a real rollercoaster. Between work, relationships, and figuring out which streaming service to binge next, stress can pile up faster than dirty laundry. But fear not, stressed-out friend! The answer to your problems might be simpler than you think: exercise.

Exercise isn't just for sculpted bodies; it's also a mood booster. Whether it's a brisk walk, a dance party in your living room, or hitting the gym, physical activity can help burn off stress and anxiety.

Ever noticed how amazing you feel after a workout? It's not just in your head. Exercise is like nature's happy pill. It releases those feel-good endorphins, which are basically your body's confetti cannons for the brain. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, hit the gym, go for a run, or even just dance like nobody's watching. Your future self will thank you.

Need a break from the constant mental chatter? Exercise is your ultimate escape plan. When you're focused on nailing that squat or keeping up with the treadmill, your brain has less time to worry about work emails or that awkward conversation you had. It's like hitting the reset button on your mind.

Tired of counting sheep? Exercise is the ultimate sleep aid. Regular physical activity can help improve sleep quality, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Who needs sleeping pills when you can just do a few push-ups?

3. Mindfulness Matters: Take a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment. Mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. It's like hitting the reset button for your brain.

4. Tech Timeout: Social media and constant notifications can be overwhelming. Unplug and recharge by taking breaks from your devices. Enjoy some screen-free time to relax and clear your head.

5. Sleep Tight: Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help regulate your mood and reduce anxiety. Create a calming bedtime routine to help you drift off to dreamland.

6. Laugh It Off: Laughter really is the best medicine. Watch a funny movie, hang out with friends who make you chuckle, or simply scroll through funny memes. A good laugh can work wonders for your mood.

7. Meditate to Levitate: Read my blog post on meditation, like them, comment on them, share them, but most importantly try one out today!

8. Taste the Rainbow: Food can be a comfort, but mindless eating can lead to stress and guilt. Try practicing mindful eating by focusing on the taste and texture of your food. And don't forget to treat yourself to something delicious every now and then – you deserve it!

There is also a spectrum to stress. Panic would be the highest level of the stress rainbow with anxiety right below it. Keep in perspective that stress is natural and necessary. Try to not use the word anxiety or panic as it can trigger higher levels of physiological and emotional reactions/dysregulation. Instead, use words that are specific: I have an annoyance because my cat brought in a lizard and I couldn't catch it. I'm stressed about work today. This is helpful because it reduces the dreaded all-or-nothing thinking distortion that is so common in a world of "always" and "never" which is rarely the case. See the spectrum and live with less stressum.

9. Nature to Nurture:  Spend time in a forest or near a body of water. Studies show that immersing yourself in nature can significantly reduce stress. If in the Everglades look out for gators, they can increase your stress incrementally!

10. Get out of Your Head and Into Your Heart:  Don't be voluntold, volunteer! Get out there and help someone or something. Animals need love too and giving pets gets you oxytocin! My favorite hormone often called the "love hormone" but I call it awesome. You can be awesome in easy ways too like calling a family member or friend and asking about them, then listening to their responses with empathy over advice. It's such a lovely, easy way to help and it's hard to think about your own worries when helping someone overcome their own.

Remember, everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It's okay to not be okay, but it's important to find healthy ways to cope. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can start to tame that worry monster and reclaim your peace of mind. It's important to talk to a therapist (me!) if anxiety persists.

Do you have any go-to anxiety-busting techniques? Share them in the comments below!