5 Creative Ways to Combat Stress in Daily Life

Stress is inevitable in today’s world. Whether you are a student, an employee, a housewife, or retired, there’s a chance that some sort of stress is always lingering on you. It could be good or bad stress. The stress of passing an exam; the stress of performing well in your job. Or may be the stress of keeping your house clean and kids fed. Or bigger stresses like managing a relationship, taking a financial decision, or dealing with personal troubles. The point is, stress is always following us. So, how do we combat stress?

It’s always easier said than done to ‘just not take stress’. Of course, when we are living life, interacting with people and struggling to become something, stressful situations come and go. And that is part of life. What we can do is manage stress effectively and creatively. While different people have different ways of managing stress, here are some creative ways through which you can combat stress in daily life. 

Develop a Reading Habit

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to start reading, or come back to reading if you think you have left it behind you. And by reading a book, I mean picking up a book physically. Incorporate reading in your daily routine, even if it’s five pages and you’ll feel a change in your mood. A book is the easiest way to escape reality. You can escape your stressful reality for a few minutes, or even hours, and it will definitely make you feel better. Start reading before sleeping, or while eating lunch, instead of watching reels or scrolling social media. This is the healthiest habit you can develop, no matter what phase of life you are in.  

Limit Screen Time 

Put a lock or limit on your apps. We use our phones way more than we should be doing. Our phones are an addiction, and it’s not a good one. Whether it’s social media or games, using a touchscreen phone causes harmful rays to enter the brain hindering your brain’s ability to focus or stay attentive for long. Attention and concentration spans are reducing and this is one reason why many people go through stressful situations. Procrastination is becoming common and lack of focus hinders studying for students. Put a time limit on your phone to limit screen time and see the change in your daily life. You’ll start performing better and will be more productive.  

Spend Time Outdoors 

Connecting with nature is so important and yet underrated. With so many indoor activities and such busy lives, we have almost forgotten what it was like to connect with nature and take a breath of fresh air. You can incorporate walking in your daily routine or just stand outside under the morning sun and take a few deep breaths in the morning before starting your day. Trust me this will bring a positive change to your daily life. You can also mediate a few days a week or do something like walk barefoot on grass to reconnect with nature. This grounding technique is the best way to reconnect with our being, the earth, and feel a bang of positivity in our bodies, which in turn reduces overall stress. 

Pick up a Hobby 

Are you one of those people who have forgotten what their hobbies were amidst the hustle and bustle of life? It’s challenging for many to achieve work-life balance, but it’s equally important to take time out to do something you truly love. This could be something less time taking as well such as painting, coloring, doing a puzzle, crossword, cooking, or swimming. Some people find cooking therapeutic while others enjoy painting. You don’t need to spend hours or days on your hobby. One hour a day or a couple hours over the weekend will be good enough to make you feel refreshed and have something to look forward to in the day. You can start a painting project, and slowly complete it. The sense of completing an artwork gives relief and a sense of accomplishment. Having something to do for yourself only boosts confidence and helps combat stress in daily life.  

Exercise Daily 

Physical activity is so important to reduce stress from your body and mind. If you can’t take time out for gym, then incorporate at least 20 minutes of basic exercises in your routine. Exercise helps in mindfulness and combating stress to a great level. If you can incorporate a morning walk, then that’s the perfect way to start your day positively. Physical exercise also calms the mind and helps loosen those stressed muscles in the body. 

There are simple and effective ways by which you can combat stress in daily life. All we have to do is have the willingness and intent to change our lives and work on ourselves first.