5 Ways to Destress Your Mind

Hello ladies!  I was asked to do a post on 5 Ways to Destress Your Mind today.  We all struggle with deadlines, standards, peer pressure, and comparing ourselves to others.  All of this can put great stress on the mind.  Sometimes we can avoid what stresses us and sometimes, there's just no way around it.  I would like to encourage you to remove the causes of stress in your life if possible first.  Then, if there are things that you can't avoid, here are 5 things I've found helpful to destress.  I know this entire list won't work for everyone (we're all wired differently, you know,) but try some of these out and see what works for you!  Also, please share your favorite ways to take a load off of your mind in the comments below!

1. Set aside electronics and social media. 

Not only can electronics be addicting and often a waste of time, but social media puts a lot of stress on young people today.  We want to read all the latest stuff, get a lot of likes and followers, and we become envious of the things and lives other people have.  Separating yourself from the fake work of the internet can really give you some perspective and open your eyes to the little blessings that are right around you.  Of course, you don't have to cut yourself off from others completely, but try to limit yourself to e-mail and school related computer time in order to destress your mind.  Make sure you log out of social media if you can't put away of your cell phone entirely.

2. Pray

If you're like me, trying to pray in your bedroom or living room can be very distracting.  If you're under a lot of stress, try actually going to the chapel or church.  If you can't make it there because you don't have a ride, try to get out of the house by going outside.  Ask for grace and guidance from God and just spend time with Him.  Don't let your stress carry over into your prayer time by praying about what's stressing you the whole time though.  Read some good spiritual reading and pray for others to help you release your mind's grip on stress and give it to God.

3. Take a long walk.

My mom took me on a neighborhood walk when I was really stressed out.  I didn't want to go because I didn't think it would help.  At first it didn't, but as we walked we talked and I noticed the pretty grass in a neighbor's yard all shaded by a big tree.  I like that kind of stuff and the walk started to work.  So take a walk with your mom or just with God and realize how big the world around you is and how insignificant your worries are!

4. Make a list.

List the things you're most worried about (homework assignments, jobs, chores, etc.). Just start with the easiest thing on your list or the one with the closest deadline.  Get it done and check it off the list! Then move on.  You could also make a list of the things you'd like to accomplish personally such as doing laundry, writing a letter, practicing music, or completing a project.  Just start with one and when that task is finished, move to the next one.  Take everything one step at a time.  It will feel great to look at a list of tasks that have been checked off when you're done!

5. Take a break.

Rest, nap, or just lay on your bed and don't do anything.  But don't let this turn into an indefinite hiatus.  That can be dangerous to let responsibilities stack up and will just result in more stress.  So take a time out for 30 mins, an hour, or an afternoon.  After that, jump back in, rested and calm, and check something off your list!


I hope you find these tips helpful and please let me know if you have other ideas in the comments below!  Ultimately, I would like to advise you in the words of St. Padre Pio, "Pray, hope, and don't worry!"

God love you,

Sarah