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We all have days that we are tired, weary, stressed, frustrated, and struggling with patience.
Small everyday stressors may be unavoidable some days, but finding a way to deal with stress and minimize the impact is key to the atmosphere of your home. As a mom, I know that my stress-level impacts my children and I try to keep my stress levels down. There are so many things we can do to decrease our stress levels in a natural way. Creating healthy habits can help to minimize stress and help to lift our moods.
While I can typically keep the small every-day stresses in perspective, I still need to find ways to get out of a down moment or stressful day.
Here are 13 ways to reduce daily stress:
Begin your day with quiet/alone time
I find that if I have even a few minutes alone in the morning, my day runs more smoothly. I enjoy waking up before my girls instead of with them, as this gives me time to enjoy my coffee, read my devotion, and hop on the computer. Consider creating a morning routine as a way to reset your morning and get your day started right.
- Daily Walk with God: Meditations for Every Day
- The One Year At His Feet Devotional
- Write the Word journals
Exercise
This is my main stress reliever. I start to get unpleasant when I go too long without exercise! If you are not exercising consistently, start by adding small amounts of exercise into your day. If you have trouble getting motivated, remember that the first step out the door is the hardest. Once you get out and exercise, you will rarely (if ever!) regret it.
Consider checking out Grokker for your fitness needs at home. It includes at-home fitness videos and a free 14-day trial. There are options such as HIIT, cardio, yoga, barre, dance, kickboxing, pilates, core, and more.
I have completed workouts on Grokker and love the variety of workouts. You can search by workout duration, which is key for me! It makes finding a workout much quicker. I don’t want to waste time searching, I want to just get to the workout.
You get to try Grokker for free for 14 days.
Get Outside
Getting outside can restore your mental energy, relieve stress, improve concentration and focus, and improve your mental health. This article provides a list of the many other benefits of getting outside. I would guess the more time you are outside, the less you are sedentary. Get fresh air, exercise, vitamin D, and a change of scenery by getting outside. This is also great for children! Check out this scavenger hunt printable if you need an activity for your kiddos outside.
Use the Spire Fitness Tracker to let you know when you are getting stressed or have been sitting around too long. Then head outside for a quick break!
Look for joy
Even when frustrated, there is often a joyous moment around the corner. Even when my children are acting up and frustrating me, it’s usually only a few minutes later that I think they are most wonderful. I end up laughing with them and being completely overcome with love. A child’s laughter can bring you back.
When frustrated, I remind myself just to wait for the joyful moment as it’s probably just minutes away.
Pray
Ask Him for help. Lay your concerns on Him and trust that He is with you.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6
Let go. Don’t strive for perfection. Do not strive to do it all.
Take a look at your schedule and commitments. Simplify what you can in your home. You may find non-essential tasks that are only causing stress.
It’s just not worth the pressure. I know that many struggle with this, but pick your priorities and stick them. Decide what you care about for yourself and your family and focus on that. Don’t let others expectations or standards wear you down.
Reset. Change gears.
If I have had a long day with my girls, a simple change can help to reset our day. If the kiddos are getting antsy, get outside or plan an activity to wear them out. Some days this is obvious and easy. Some days this will feel like too much work, but it’s often worth it.
Know what refreshes you
Figure out what quick activity or treat refreshes and relaxes you. If that gives you a little more patience to get you through the day…schedule it in!!
Make a grateful list.
This is something I have yet to try, but I hear so much about it! Get in the habit of writing down 3 things you are grateful for each night before going to bed.
Stepping back and finding something you are grateful for can quickly change your perspective!
Stay hydrated.
You will feel better if you stay hydrated, so remember to drink plenty of water! Your body will function better. Here are 8 Ways to Drink More Water Every Day.
Get sleep.
This is key! You will have much more energy, your brain will function better, and your physical health will improve. Your body restores itself while sleeping, so your entire body will thank you when you start to make sleep a priority.
If you have trouble making sleep a priority, check out these helpful resources:
- Sleep It Does a Family Good
- Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to A Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success
- Make Over Your Mornings
- How to Create a Morning Routine (includes printable worksheets that I created)
- Your Morning Manual: A Guide & Workbook for Resetting & Maximizing Your Mornings
Check your perspective.
Remember that we have all we need. Everything we need. His grace is enough.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
Take a deep breath
When you start to get stressed or anxious, your breaths may become short and shallow. The Spire Mindfulness + Activity Tracker picks up on your breathing rate and can notify you to take a few deep breaths. It can alert you in the moment and suggest breathing exercises that lead to putting you in a calmer and focused state.
If you are not good at sitting down quietly and breathing slow, the Spire Activity Tracker will guide you.
In addition to tracking your breath, notifying you if you are tense, and walking you through breathing activities, the Spire Activity Tracker also tracks your steps and active minutes. At the end of the day, I can see if I met my active minutes and step goals. I can set up notifications to notify me when I have been sedentary for a set amount of minutes.
I hope you find my 13 ways to reduce daily stress helpful.
What is your favorite way to reduce daily stress in your own life?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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Anita Mckaney says
I love each and every one of these tips. I have already implemented, others are new to me and I will try them soon. Thank you!
Megan says
I love the bible verse that was incorporated.
Doris says
These tips are all perfect. Stress is part of our lives nowadays. Thanks for sharing…
Jen G says
Great tips! Morning time is critical for me.
Mommy Little says
Great list! I have become a huge fan of making sure my kitchen is clean before I go to bed. It really helps me wake up fresh and not stressed by the mess. Just seems to be something that refreshes me!
Emily says
I agree completely! I cannot stand waking up to dirty dishes in the sink or on the counter.
Elizabeth @ CrazyBusyHappyLife says
These are all excellent tips. I’ve started waking up an hour earlier than normal so that I can have some “me” time and get more done since morning is my most productive time of the day. I also held a happiness challenge during August and it really helped lower my stress levels.
Tajuana Paige says
Thank you for sharing!!!! I love these tips.
lauren says
These are some awesome tips and that trackers looks like a great device.
Brittany says
My favorite tip is going outside! I feel like it always reduces my stress and just makes my day happier.
tineke - workingmommyabroad says
I am a big fan of the grateful list! Works very well for me
Marla | Because I Said So Baby says
Sometimes just taking a step outside is all I need!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
Such great advice. I always need to remind myself to just breathe!!!!
beth kelley says
Your tips are right on target. Love these especially the get outside.
Jennifer says
From start to finish, this was a great list! Thanks so much for the practical tips!
Emily says
You are welcome, Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by. :)
Betsy de Cruz says
Love your tips here. Your title drew me right over here from Grace and Truth. :-) I’m reminded again to pay attention to SLEEP. So often I stay up too late, and then end up being drained by late afternoon the next day. Also love quiet time and water.
Emily says
Yes! I am constantly reminding myself of the importance of sleep. It’s not always easy. :)
Jenni Laplow says
Love this list! It’s definitely something I want to keep handy for the days I need it :)
Melanie Redd says
What a great list! I love this one! Sharing it on Pinterest today.
To relieve stress in my world, I sleep long hours and exercise like crazy!
Found your post today on Grace and Truth.
Blessings,
Melanie
Emily says
Thanks for stopping by and for pinning, Melanie!
Amanda @ Anchored to Sunshine says
Love this! Getting in exercise always helps me de-stress :)
Kelly Basham says
Great list of tips on reducing stress Emily. I have found that if I do something creative such as painting or crafting it helps me to unwind and relax too.
Kristal says
Great list, I agree with everyone of them. I am amazed at how much reducing clutter and keeping things tidy and organized helps reduce stress and puts me in a much better mood.
Brittany says
I definitely need to use these more. The more I truly tap into them, the more at peace I become. Sometimes I try to “rest” in my spare moment not realizing that consistent implementation of some of these habits will creat the rest I truly need.
Stephanie Cox says
I love working out in the afternoon. I know it’s not the usual time but if the day has been rough, getting to the gym and working up a sweat does a ton for my mental game.
Emily says
I agree! Exercising can definitely reset a rough day.
sarahbeth says
I really like the make a grateful list one. It’s so easy to be negative, and we need to be intentional about having a grateful attitude. I also love how you incorporate smart health choices on this list too. I believe God is honored when we take good care of the bodies He has given us.
Emily says
Focusing on the positive and taking the time to think about our blessings is helpful!
Kendall says
These are such great tips! I know using many of them myself can make a big difference in how my day goes or improves! :)
Elizabeth Meyers says
These are all great ideas! I like to start my day with Bible reading, prayer, exercise, and writing. Then, I’m ready to tackle what comes next!
Michele Morin says
For me, right now my daily walk is key. Also, I’m learning to stick with my list and not try to add too many tasks to one day.
Emily says
A daily walk is a great habit to have…good for you!
Great reminder to be realistic about what can be done in a day. There is no benefit in stressing out from a huge to-do list and unrealistic expectations!
Rebekah @ Surviving Toddlerhood says
A routine and my to-do lists help me to reduce stress, Also giving myself grace when everything doesn’t go as planned.
K Ann Guinn says
Great tips! Most of them are familiar, but some are a “work in progress” (such as getting to bed early and waking up earlier). The only thing I would add (as inspired by the photo of the Adirondack chairs by the lake), is spending time near water. I find that sitting and looking at beautiful water, swimming or wading, and quiet boating all refresh me like almost nothing else. Campfires are another tool that I think most find relaxing. I know you mentioned getting outside, so I guess these would be under that category, but especially wanted to mentions them. Thanks!
Emily says
Thank you for sharing!! I completely agree. There is just something wonderful about being near the water. :)
Either in the red chairs you saw in the photo or sitting on the dock…love it!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
sometimes it’s hard to give up the idea of perfection but it is so liberating.
Valerie says
Love all these tips. I do my best to utilize most of these on a regular basis.
Julie says
Great list that is helpful to everyone!
#100happydays neighbor.
Julie
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I truly believe the root of the day is how you start your morning.
Prayer and quiet time with God is the most important for me and I go back to prayer if I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Exercise, a breath of fresh air, and slow breathing are also great stress-reducers for me.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
Emily says
Yes! How you start the morning does impact your day!
Thanks for sharing your stress-reducers…we are on the same page. I hope you have a great day also, Jennifer!
kristin mccarthy says
I def. needed to read this today!
#theshinebloghop
Cheryl @The Long Way to Go says
Beginning my day with quiet time with the Lord is essential to keep me from starting the day stressed out. Inviting the Lord into my day makes all the difference for me. Great post! (Followed you from SHINE blog hop).
Emily says
What a great way to start your day. Thanks for sharing!
Grandmas House DIY says
Such great tips! And I also wanted to mention that the Wednesday “To Grandma’s House We Go” link party just started over at grandmashousediy.com and I thought you might be interested in joining it, thanks!
Aimee Imbeau says
These are great ways to reduce stress! Thanks for sharing on Grace and Truth.
Haylee Cater says
I am so happy I came across this! I have been struggling with really heavy anxiety lately and I have been trying to find other ways to break it down than feeling like I should go to a doctor.
Emily says
Wonderful! I hope you found a few helpful tips. :)
Thanks for stopping by, Haylee.
Rebekah says
Great tips Emily! I notice that when I get out everyday and excerise it really helps me to stay joyful and focused the rest of the day. I love that verse, I have been meditating on it lately. And definitely praying and laying my burdens at his feet is vital to me living in his joy and peace. Thanks for these great reminders!