If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that the majority of us are stressed out in 2020. This has been a tough year for everyone, with no signs of slowing down. If you’re looking for ways to better regulate your emotions and keep that 2020 stress at bay, here are some suggestions that could help you.
Start Journaling
Journaling can help you to get all of those thoughts out onto paper. You may not begin to understand them any better, but getting them out of your head and onto paper can be a huge help. Some people suggest that leaving your entries alone and then reading them at a later date can help – although you don’t have to read them back if you don’t want to. The great thing about journaling is that there are no rules. People think you need pretty and neat pages every day, but you don’t. One day you can write a page, the next you can use bullet points. Write a sentence. Draw a doodle. Do whatever you like. It’s your journal, so don’t worry about anybody else reading it.
Talk It Out With Somebody You Trust
Talk therapy can be extremely effective, too. Talking it out with somebody you trust can be a weight off your shoulders. It could be a friend, family member, or even a therapist. Remember, trying to rely on your friends or family to counsel you can be a bad idea if they don’t always know how to respond or try to provide you with solutions rather than listen. Therapy is extremely valuable, no matter how big or small you feel your problems are.
Find A Craft
Crafting can be a great way to release stress and put your emotion into a hobby. You could paint, woodwork, or make something else. This can help you to get into that ‘flow’ state, forget about your problems for a bit, and channel your energy into something good.
Do Some Baking
Baking can be therapeutic and helps many people to get into the flow state. Not only that, you end up with something delicious to eat afterwards. You could even bake to say thank you to family members who are trying to be there for you. Remember, you can easily use things like stevia as a sugar substitute if you want a healthier option.
Don’t Underestimate Exercise
Exercise is a must if you’re stressed. Even a short walk outside can work wonders.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Go to bed earlier. Understand that you probably need more sleep now than ever.
Take All Of The Time You Can To Relax
See if you can do nothing. Relax, take deep breaths. Meditate if you feel like it, if not, just give yourself some space to ‘be’.
Don’t Spread Yourself Thin
Wanting to help other people is admirable, but not at the expense of your own mental health and wellbeing. You need to put your own oxygen mask on first! Learn how to say no.
