Yoga & Wellness

Ten Ways to Handle Stress and Overwhelm

When stress becomes too much, it can interfere with sleep, mood, eating habits, cause weight gain or loss, and depression. Having tools to manage stress can be life-changing.

Jenny Geyser

27 Jun 2024 • 4 min read

A regular yoga practice helps reduce and manage daily stress.

Life is full of ups and downs. It ebbs and flows like the ocean waves.

Stress is something common for most of us to experience. It can even be from good things...like a full schedule of plans you enjoy with people you love, or a passion project you're working hard to complete.

However, it's important to learn how to manage any stress and overwhelm, so it doesn't turn into something bigger, or take away from the pleasures of life.

As a human, we tend to soak up the energy around us, and if we are extra busy, rushed or don’t have enough time in the day to recharge, the stress and overwhelm can feel out of control.

When stress becomes too much, it can interfere with sleep, mood, eating habits, cause weight gain or loss, and depression.

Having tools to manage stress can be life-changing.

Here are 10 simple ways to bring your energy back in, to find calm, and release overwhelm.

1. Simply pause. When you start to feel anxious, and the stress creeps in, take a moment to stop what you’re doing, and just breathe. Sit for even just a minute. Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly. Feel your heartbeat. Notice your belly rise and fall with your breath. Truly be present in the moment and remember that’s all that really matters.

2. Get outside for a few moments or as long as you can. Let the sun shine on your face and feel the gentle breeze. Simply breathe in some fresh air and oxygen to slow the thoughts in the mind and come back to your center. It’s even better if you can be barefoot on the earth. Grounding helps alleviate stress by reducing cortisol levels. This takes you out of any “fight or flight” mode and back to a state of calm.

3. Make some relaxing tea. The warmth of tea in general is very calming and soothing. There are also a lot of varieties that help reduce stress, such as chamomile, lavender, passionflower, lemon balm, green tea, valerian and peppermint. Some teas contain Ashwagandha which is an adaptogen that is known to help balance stress in the body.

4. Get some movement in. Yoga is amazing since it is not just beneficial for the physical body, but it also allows you to deepen your connection with yourself, and get really in tune with what you need on an emotional level, too. After your practice, you are likely to feel more clear and calm.

5. Meditate. This doesn’t have to be a long meditation done in any particular place. You can do this anytime, anywhere. Sit in a quiet place and simply focus on a rhythmic breath, or explore one of the many wonderful guided meditations on apps such as Calm and Headspace, where you can choose what resonates with you or feels needed at the moment. Meditation helps get you out of your head and into your heart which greatly helps with stress reduction, especially when done on a daily basis.

6. Listen to your favorite song! Music has an incredible way of touching the emotions. It can completely change the mood you’re in instantly. When feeling stressed, overwhelmed or just a bit down, putting on a song you love can give you a new sense of energy and release! You can dance to it, too, for extra benefits :)

7. Snuggle your pet! If you have a dog or cat, give them some love. Especially if you are naturally drawn to animals, you'll notice the love they transmit can instantly ease stress and anxiety. They are a wonderful form of emotional support.

8. Stay hydrated and eat nourishing plant-based foods…lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. When you fill your physical body with goodness, you naturally feel better mentally and emotionally, too. Be mindful of sugar and too much caffeine as both of these can trigger jitters and more anxiousness.

9. Journal about what is causing you stress or bothering you. It helps to really feel our feelings. Take time to explore where the overwhelm is coming from. Once you’re able to clear your mind and get it out, you often feel better immediately. Then write down what you are grateful for in your life to instantly shift your mindset.

10. Do what lights you up inside. That could be something creative like painting or drawing, photography, making music, writing, cooking or even just reading a book you love. Changing the direction of your thoughts to something positive takes the focus away from what is causing stress, and puts it into an activity that brings happiness. Ultimately, we want to follow our joy throughout each day, only doing what we love. This is also a great way to reduce stress and really nurture yourself deep down.

These are all tools that I personally use to manage my own stress and anxiety. It’s so important for us to fill ourselves up to avoid getting depleted by the often fast-paced and stress-inducing world around us.

The most important thing to remember is to always honor yourself, and take care of you and your needs first. That way you’re able to function at your highest level, and share your beautiful loving energy with others in the best way possible.

For personalized guidance on your journey to wellness, feel free to reach out to me with any questions here.

Sending so much love, peace and calm your way.

Con tanto amore,

xo Jenny