With the start of a new year, it may mean you’re back in school, back at work full time or just onto a new path in life. I find myself in these situations and forget to relax so here is what I do when I am feeling stressed.

Get Active

Stressful situations increase the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in your body. These are our fight or flight hormones which are designed to protect us from bodily harm when we are under threat. But modern stress isn’t fixed by these hormones. In order to lessen your stress and tense feeling go or a walk, run or do a workout video if you can. Being under stress can also affect how you sleep so doing any of these right before bed will give you a good night’s rest.

Watch your food

I love coffee to the point where I can’t go more than 3 days without it or I will actually get irritated. If you’re like me, you know this is not healthy, caffeine is a stimulant and can actually increase the level of stress you’re feeling rather than reducing it. Also avoid foods with refined sugars as this can cause you to have an energy crash leading you to feeling tired. So keep your body healthy and maybe try a salad.

Take a break

One of the hardest yet most important things is learning when to take a break without feeling guilty about it. Try to manage your time and set realistic job goals for yourself by doing so it is easy for you to take more breaks once you’re doing your work. On your break do or watch something you enjoy like maybe one episode of your favourite TV series or chapter in a book you’re reading, anything you think that will make you happy.

And don’t forget, what you’re feeling now will one day be apart of the past.