10 Ways To Relieve Stress And Anxiety

Last Updated on August 20, 2023 by Lori Geurin

Looking for ways to relieve stress and anxiety? Living in uncertain times can be challenging, to say the least. Maybe you’re feeling stressed because of concerns about COVID-19. Or perhaps you’re worried about elderly parents or your children. It’s normal to have these feelings. Know that you’re not alone. We’re all feeling the strain. Things are weird right now.

But the good news is that there are steps you can take to help yourself feel better and manage the stress and anxiety you may be feeling. This helps you and anyone you’re caring for. Because when you are managing your stress levels well, then it’s easier to show up strong for your loved ones.

I’ve gathered a list of ideas to help you manage your stress and anxiety. These tips are natural, and free, and can become a part of your everyday wellness routine. You may be doing some of them already.

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10 Ways To Relieve Stress And Anxiety

1. Move your body

There are so many great free fitness apps. Have you tried any? I tend to use an app for a while and then download a different one when I’m ready for a change because I get bored easily.

I just re-started one of my favorites, the 7-Minute Workout. It’s easy to follow and only takes 7 minutes. It’s perfect for those much-needed breaks when you’re working at home.

I also like these fitness apps, all free, some with paid upgrades:

• Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer. Available on Android and iOS
• SworkIt – Ab And Core Workouts. Available on iOS and Android
• Kettlebell Workouts by Fitify. Available on iOS and Android
• Daily Yoga. Available on iOS and Android
• FitOn – Fitness Workout Plans. Available on iOS and Android

Yesterday I walked around the beach in Hawaii without even leaving my basement! Did you know that YouTube has free treadmill workouts? I didn’t before this week.

You can choose your favorite destination…the mountains, the beach, a park, etc. It was relaxing to hear the waves crash and experience some gorgeous scenery along the way. This is the one I did. And because it was raining all day and I couldn’t go outside to walk, this was a good alternative.

This leads me to the next tip.

2. Go outside

Get out in nature and spend time in the sun every day. This boosts your body’s Vitamin D production which plays a big role in strengthening your immune system.

You can still keep the recommended social distance while getting some fresh air. Going on a walk is great for your physical and mental health.

3. Try EFT – Tapping

Have you heard of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) – otherwise known as tapping? If you haven’t tried tapping before, this is a great time to start! I first learned about this stress-relieving technique when I was studying to become a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach.

Honestly, I was skeptical at first…until I tried it for myself. Now I practice this technique often. It’s helped me relieve stress and is one of those things you have to try to believe…at least for me.

The Tapping Solution app is awesome and free to use. Yesterday I was excited to learn that the Ortners (a brother and sister who created the app and guide the tapping meditations) have just added several new tapping meditations related to the coronavirus and this mixed-up time we’re living in.

4. Eat healthy food

Eating healthy food is one of the best ways to keep your immune system working strong. I like to cook more than we need for leftovers. Or to freeze and serve later. 

Feel free to send me ideas for cooking healthy or meal prepping. I’d love to have more tips to share. Here are some healthy recipe options for you to check out:

• 45 Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas
• 30 Clean-Eating Dinner Recipes You Can Make In 30 Minutes Or Less
• 81 Healthy Dinner Ideas You’ll Want To Make Tonight
• 30 Healthy Dinner Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes Or Less
• 35 Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas To Eat Year-Round

5. Phone a friend

Many of us have become so used to texting we’ve forgotten how to talk on the phone. Maybe you can relate? So start a new trend and call or text a loved one or friend just to say hi. Call your neighbors to see how they’re doing, especially the elderly ones.

FaceTime is also a great way to connect with your loved ones and give them a (virtual) hug. It’s the next best thing.

Or hop on a Zoom call. Staying connected is important, especially when you’re stuck at home.

6. Get quality sleep

Sleep is good for your immune system, but it’s also important for your mental health. Prioritizing sleep is vital, especially when you’re dealing with added stress.

Beauty zzZz is a non-habit-forming natural supplement from HUM Nutrition that can help you relax and fall asleep if you’re dealing with occasional insomnia.

Also, here are 16 Quick Tips To Help you Sleep Better Tonight.

7. Write it down

Write down how you’re feeling, physically and emotionally. Notice triggers or events that cause you to feel stressed. Then write down the solutions you tried and whether or not they were effective.

Also, think about starting a gratitude journal. It can be as simple as writing down a few words in a notebook each day. Focusing on the positive helps you cope with your situation.

Related: 10 Tips For Keeping A Gratitude Journal

8. Get organized

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by messy surroundings? I cannot concentrate well unless my environment is at least halfway tidy.

Make a list of simple tasks you can do to get your house in order. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but getting things neat can help you manage your time and resources better. Prioritize what needs to be done the most, then go from there.

9. Deep breathing

This is one of the easiest ways to relieve stress and anxiety naturally. The best part is that you can do it anywhere, anytime. Conscious breathing makes you more aware of your emotions. (And this is good because then you can process them and move in a positive direction.)

Focus on breathing from your diaphragm, not your chest. Inhale slowly through your nose. Then exhale slowly through your nose. This article goes into more depth about deep breathing.

Deep Breathing TikTok Video

Please enjoy this short video I made to share an easy box breathing exercise you can do anywhere to increase relaxed feelings and lower your stress levels. Follow me on TikTok for more wellness content.

10. Set boundaries

Are you good at saying, “No?” If not, then this is a good time to learn. People who agree to everything others ask them to do are often overwhelmed and burn out fast. Learning to set good boundaries in every area of your life is healthy and an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety.

Here are some tips for learning to say no.

Summary – Ways To Relieve Stress And Anxiety

If there was ever a time to take good care of yourself, it’s now. Give yourself grace and compassion. Just as you’re doing your best to be kind and compassionate to your loved ones, don’t forget to show the same care to yourself.

Relax your expectations and remember to breathe.

What are some ways you relieve stress and anxiety? What’s stressing you the most right now?

Share your thoughts below. I’d love to hear from you. X, Lori

If you liked this, be sure to check out the following:

• 5 Simple Ways To Relieve Stress And Relax
• My Favorite Ways To Relax In No Time Flat
• 15 Personality Traits Of An Empath: Are You One?
• Coronavirus Information For People With Lyme Disease