HOW TO: Relieve Stress With Alternative Methods

Do you ever find that you feel so overwhelmed that you just want to explode? It's that overly emotional, eye twitching, don't want to get out of bed kind of stress. Sometimes this stress can be good, and can help to keep you on track of all of your responsibilities.  However, it is important to remember that the stress you experience can become very overwhelming. Although sometimes it can be hard to coordinate "me-time" in your already busy schedule, stress reliever tactics become necessary in order to keep you happy and sane.

There as so many ways to relieve stress, and everyone can find something that interests them that becomes something fun that you look forward to doing. There are obviously a ton of ways to relieve stress, but here are a few alternative ways that I personally enjoy using: 

1. Join a team! There are so many alternative teams that become a great way to let out some your built up energy and stress.  Last year I joined a dodgeball team, and even though I was the worst player on the team, it was a great stress reliever. Nothing kills stress faster than throwing a ball with all your strength at someone who is running away from you :)

2. Go to a yoga or zumba class with a friend.  This is a great way to get exercise and socialize at the same time!  The endorphins you receive from working out really helps relieve stress.  

3. Take a nap! Napping can really reduce stress levels, even if you are just laying down without falling asleep (if you have time for it of course!). 

4. And when all else fails... play with a bunch of kittens!! A friend of mine recently sponsored a pregnant cat from the SPCA so that her kittens could be born in a more nurturing environment.  This was the best decision ever. The picture below is actually myself holding all the kittens (not the most flattering picture of myself, but whatever, I'm stress free and that's the important thing).

 

Sincerely,
Alley