I think we can all agree that stress is something that we have all experienced before. You may even be experiencing it right now. And, I think we can all agree that it’s perfectly normal to respond to stress with things that help us numb, avoid and push the pain to the side. But, we all also know that when we do that, it just compiles and the stress when not dealt with properly will just keep getting worse.

For me, when I am faced with stressful situations I know what can help me navigate it well and what can help me ignore it and in the end, I also know which route will ultimately help me move through and handle these situations. Spoiler alert, it isn’t anything that is making me numb out and ignore.

My prayer is that the tips below will help you choose to navigate stressful situations in a healthier way and support you in navigating your way to the other side of stress!

1. Do A Brain Dump.

   • When I am feeling stressed, I usually also feel very overwhelmed. My brain will be spinning in circles and I have so much in my mind that I feel like I am paralyzed with where to start. When I start to feel this way I go old school and do a good ole’ fashion brain dump with pen and paper. I grab a blank sheet of white paper and use a black pen which feels crazy maybe but it’s clean and less stimulating which is what I need. I will literally write down everything and anything on my mind and then after I brain dump I will scratch out what just needed to be processed out loud and take the rest to make a to do list. Getting it out of my head and onto paper helps give me a plan to move forward.

2. Move Your Body.

   • Whether you do a hardcore exercise class, a slow yoga class or anything in between moving your body will help you so much. Getting in a workout no matter how long will boost your endorphins and immediately improve your mind and body, promise! Even if you just go for a walk, the movement will help to clear your head and put you in a better mindset to be able to tackle whatever it is that is stressing you out.

3. Talk It Out.

   • We are not meant to live in isolation, we are literally created to have community. And, I don’t mean you need to have 100 friends you confide in but find someone you can. Maybe its your spouse, your mom, a best friend, a therapist — find someone that you trust that you can talk to. Sometimes they will have solutions or helpful tips but mostly, even if they just listen it will help to talk to someone about what you going through.

4. Shift Your Attitude.

   • This one is easier said that done, I get that but it can be done with some intentionality and desire to change. Stress will make you moody, your mindset and mood will effect everything as you know so it is important that you shift your attitude from negative to positive thinking. I like to think of the things that make me feel better and do those things — is it a face mask? Reading? A nap? Lunch out? Whatever will help lift you mood, do more of that even if you don’t think that you have time, you do!

5. Face It Head On.

   • This is probably the hardest of all but friend, you have to face what you are dealing with. Head on, straight in the face deal with it. If you don’t face it, it will never go away. One strategy that will sound counterproductive but helps me so much (and something I try to work through with my kids when they feel stress) is thinking of what the worst thing is that can happen. Once I think of worst case I can create a plan (even loosely in my head) of what I will do and it gives me the confidence to not only face the issue but also then move to best case scenario and focus on that happening. Knowing what you are up against and having a plan to deal with it will help you feel equipped and confident.

Life can be overwhelming and the more we take on at home, at work, in life the more stressful it all can feel. But, handling it well and navigating stress in a way that moves you through it will help you more than you know not just practically but also spiritually and emotionally as well. Praying for you friend and cheering you on in all you go through!