{"id":1107,"date":"2025-05-20T05:38:32","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T05:38:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/?p=1107"},"modified":"2025-07-30T05:49:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T05:49:21","slug":"strategies-to-reduce-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress","title":{"rendered":"Comprehensive Guide: 25 Effective Strategies to Reduce Stress and Improve Well-Being"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1107\" class=\"elementor elementor-1107\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-26792c5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default jltma-glass-effect-no\" data-id=\"26792c5\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-96285d0 jltma-glass-effect-no\" data-id=\"96285d0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0bfc22d jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"0bfc22d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><h1>Comprehensive Guide: 25 Effective Strategies to Reduce Stress and Improve Well-Being<\/h1><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb18dea jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"cb18dea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e1e835 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"6e1e835\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"721\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/woman_doing_relaxation_techniques_at_the_beach.jpg-1.webp\" class=\"custom-featured-image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/woman_doing_relaxation_techniques_at_the_beach.jpg-1.webp 721w, https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/woman_doing_relaxation_techniques_at_the_beach.jpg-1-300x187.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42a635c jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42a635c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Everyone needs a little help managing stress these days. Our comprehensive guide makes that task easy so you don\u2019t have to stress out. Read to learn more.<\/p>\n\n<p>Knowing how to relieve stress is possibly the most important life skill you could ever have. <\/p>\n\n<ul><li>Nearly half of all U.S. adults (49%) say that stress has negatively affected their behavior (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/news\/press\/releases\/stress\/2020\/sia-mental-health-crisis.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">American Psychological Association, 2020<\/a>)<\/li>\n\t<li>Eighty-three percent of U.S. workers say they experience stress on the job (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/42-worrying-workplace-stress-statistics\" target=\"_blank\">American Institute of Stress<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>And young adults are experiencing a higher level of mental stress and anxiety than older ones.\n\n<\/p>\n\n<ul><li>When asked to rate their stress level out of ten, here\u2019s how U.S. adults responded by age group:<ul><li>Gen Z: 6.1<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li>Millennials: 5.6<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li>Gen X: 5.2<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li>Baby Boomers: 4.0<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li>Older Adults: 3.3<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/news\/press\/releases\/stress\/2020\/sia-mental-health-crisis.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">American Psychological Association, 2020<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Stress, stress, and more stress!<\/strong> We need effective strategies to reduce stress, and we need it now. Our comprehensive guide will help you beat, manage, reduce, and overcome stress in all the best ways. Try a few or try them all and you will improve your well-being.&nbsp;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33b7743 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"33b7743\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Get_More_Physical_Activity\" >Get More Physical Activity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Follow_a_Healthy_Diet\" >Follow a Healthy Diet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Minimize_Phone_Use_and_Screen_Time\" >Minimize Phone Use and Screen Time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Consider_Supplements\" >Consider Supplements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Practice_Self-Care\" >Practice Self-Care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Reduce_Your_Caffeine_Intake\" >Reduce Your Caffeine Intake<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Spend_Time_with_Friends_and_Family\" >Spend Time with Friends and Family<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Create_Boundaries_and_Learn_to_Say_No\" >Create Boundaries and Learn to Say No<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Learn_to_Avoid_Procrastination\" >Learn to Avoid Procrastination<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Take_a_Yoga_Class\" >Take a Yoga Class<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Practice_Mindfulness\" >Practice Mindfulness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Cuddle\" >Cuddle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Spend_Time_in_Nature\" >Spend Time in Nature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Practice_Deep_Breathing\" >Practice Deep Breathing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Spend_Time_with_Your_Pet\" >Spend Time with Your Pet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Identify_Your_Triggers\" >Identify Your Triggers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Stay_Connected\" >Stay Connected<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Stay_Active\" >Stay Active<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org/us-en/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Find_Your_%E2%80%9CPause%E2%80%9D_Button\" >Find Your \u201cPause\u201d Button<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Plan_Your_Fun\" >Plan Your Fun<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Reframe_Your_Thinking_About_Stress_Itself\" >Reframe Your Thinking About Stress Itself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Take_Control\" >Take Control<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Challenge_Yourself\" >Challenge Yourself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Be_Positive\" >Be Positive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/stress\/strategies-to-reduce-stress\/#Practice_Meditation\" >Practice Meditation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_More_Physical_Activity\"><\/span>Get More Physical Activity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97ae487 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"97ae487\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"721\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/woman_dancing_to_soothing_music.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1110\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/woman_dancing_to_soothing_music.jpg.webp 721w, https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/woman_dancing_to_soothing_music.jpg-300x187.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a5f64f jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0a5f64f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We already know that regular exercise is great for heart health and reducing cholesterol but it is also good for emotional resilience when it comes to acute stress. <\/p>\n\n<p>You don\u2019t have to be a triathlete to receive the benefits of physical activity. Walking, yoga, bike riding, and dancing are great options to get more physical activity into your daily routine.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a22264 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1a22264\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Follow_a_Healthy_Diet\"><\/span>Follow a Healthy Diet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ed766f jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8ed766f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>How you feel day-to-day has a lot to do with what you eat. A poor diet and unhealthy habits are fuel for stress. Though there are numerous healthy diets to choose from, many agree that these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodnetwork.com\/healthy\/photos\/top-10-foods-for-stress-relief\" target=\"_blank\">foods can help you cope with stress better<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<ul><li>Avocado<\/li>\n\t<li>Banana<\/li>\n\t<li>Herbal teas (caffeine-free)<\/li>\n\t<li>Dark leafy greens<\/li>\n\t<li>Carrots<\/li>\n\t<li>Yogurt<\/li>\n\t<li>Nuts<\/li>\n\t<li>Dark chocolate (in moderation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0bbea4d jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0bbea4d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Minimize_Phone_Use_and_Screen_Time\"><\/span>Minimize Phone Use and Screen Time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e92b9b jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5e92b9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Screen addiction is real. And finding a healthy balance with cell phone use isn\u2019t easy, but the benefits certainly make it worth it! With less stimulation from calls, texts, social media updates, and \u201curgent\u201d emails, you may have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.piedmont.org\/living-better\/does-your-smartphone-cause-anxiety\" target=\"_blank\">less chronic stress and anxiety<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>You might try muting your phone for set periods of time (still keeping it nearby) so you can enjoy your time uninterrupted. Or, try leaving your phone in a different room until you can feel more comfortable spending less time glued to your phone. In other words, take baby steps so you don\u2019t stress out about not being attached to your phone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b086ac5 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b086ac5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_Supplements\"><\/span>Consider Supplements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c08110 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1c08110\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Sometimes a supplement can be a good solution for stress management. Adaptogens like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.srisritattvausa.com\/products\/ashwagandha-withaniasomnifera\" target=\"_blank\">ashwagandha<\/a> help us adapt and overcome stress and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/how-to-reduce-anxiety\" target=\"_blank\">anxiety<\/a>. But as the name supplement indicates, supplements are an add-on and you will likely need to implement other stress relief strategies.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-099661d jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"099661d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practice_Self-Care\"><\/span>Practice Self-Care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f67c48f jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f67c48f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"721\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/man_receiving_hand_massage_with_essential_oils.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1111\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/man_receiving_hand_massage_with_essential_oils.jpg.webp 721w, https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/man_receiving_hand_massage_with_essential_oils.jpg-300x187.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da598d7 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"da598d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSelf-care has come a long way in the last decade or so. Originally seen as sometimes selfish, it is now an integral part of surviving day-to-day life and maintaining good mental health. Self-care is as individual as we are and could include a walk in green spaces, a massage, reading a book, or taking a silent retreat. Whatever self-care is for you, adding this strategy to your stress management plan is key.\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f60bf95 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f60bf95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reduce_Your_Caffeine_Intake\"><\/span>Reduce Your Caffeine Intake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87fc8b4 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"87fc8b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Too much <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2257922\/#:~:text=Caffeine%20also%20activates%20the%20stress,responses%20(5%2C6).\" target=\"_blank\">caffeine<\/a> intake during times of stress may contribute to the duration and magnitude of blood pressure and stress endocrine responses. Think stress hormones and caffeine jitters on steroids! But given the dependency and addiction that can happen with caffeine, it\u2019s best to wean yourself off of caffeine by slowly reducing your consumption. Additionally, you will need to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.<\/p\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1bfb46 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c1bfb46\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spend_Time_with_Friends_and_Family\"><\/span>Spend Time with Friends and Family<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f732fb3 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f732fb3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSometimes the best company is the company of dear ones. Especially if you\u2019re going through a challenging stressful time. Family members and friends often know how to support you better than you do. Be sure to be selective with your choice of social support and avoid a family member or friend that stresses you out!\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9147494 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9147494\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_Boundaries_and_Learn_to_Say_No\"><\/span>Create Boundaries and Learn to Say No<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0ab030 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e0ab030\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Having a \u201cyes\u201d mind doesn\u2019t mean you cannot set healthy boundaries and say no when needed. In fact, saying yes all the time puts your mental health and physical well-being at risk. You cannot be all things, to all people, all of the time. <\/p>\n\n<p>If you habitually say yes when you shouldn\u2019t, try postponing whatever you are saying yes to. For example, \u201cI would love to help you right now, but tomorrow (or whenever is better) will be a better time for me\u201d, or ask if you could help at another time. Most people will understand when your plate runneth over!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01bfeee jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"01bfeee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_to_Avoid_Procrastination\"><\/span>Learn to Avoid Procrastination<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58bca77 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"58bca77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>How does procrastination add stress to your daily life anyway? Since most of the things we procrastinate on are things we need to do and may not be so enjoyable, having to do them at the last minute and with less time to do them correctly\u2013 we end up adding a lot of unnecessary stress! <\/p>\n\n<p>Choose one thing that you will not procrastinate on and stick to it. Once you have changed that habit, choose another.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-89d709b jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"89d709b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_a_Yoga_Class\"><\/span>Take a Yoga Class<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d24968 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1d24968\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"721\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/women_in_yoga_class.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1112\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/women_in_yoga_class.jpg.webp 721w, https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/women_in_yoga_class.jpg-300x187.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72f1846 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"72f1846\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/the-top-15-yoga-poses-for-stress-relief-how-they-can-help-you-relax\" target=\"_blank\">Yoga<\/a> has been reducing stress for millennia. Uniting your body, mind, and spirit, yoga postures are highly effective in managing stress. Taking a yoga class ensures that you have all the guidance you might need. The Art of Living Foundation has an <a href=\"https:\/\/yoga.us.artofliving.org\/us-en\/yoga-studio-schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\">online yoga studio<\/a> you can try out any time you are feeling overwhelmed with stress. Even better, when you want to prevent stress from overwhelming you in the first place!<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3652d6 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e3652d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practice_Mindfulness\"><\/span>Practice Mindfulness\n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f5b3a9 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8f5b3a9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStress has a way of sneaking up on you sometimes. But when you can be more mindful and aware, you start to create a sort of non-stick \u201cTeflon\u201d coating to your mind and body. Though mindfulness as a practice can be overwhelming for some people\u2013 meditation, and breathwork can give you more mindfulness as a natural \u201cside effect\u201d benefit. \n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3cda013 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3cda013\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cuddle\"><\/span>Cuddle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33e0cd0 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"33e0cd0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>According to WebMD, when you cuddle with someone you care about, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin that calms you and makes you more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/balance\/ss\/slideshow-health-benefits-cuddling#:~:text=Ease%20Stress&amp;text=When%20you%20cuddle%20with%20someone,try%20to%20solve%20a%20problem.\" target=\"_blank\">likely to deal better with stress<\/a>. It also can lower your blood pressure as well as lower the amount of the \u201cstress hormone\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Cuddling doesn\u2019t have to be limited to only people, cuddling your pets also works to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/how-to-calm-anxiety\" target=\"_blank\">calm your anxiety<\/a> and reduce stress levels.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5224371 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5224371\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spend_Time_in_Nature\"><\/span>Spend Time in Nature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-883c77d jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"883c77d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The value of connecting with nature is often overlooked unless we are on vacation perhaps. Leaving the office for lunch in a nearby park can do wonders for any work-related stress. Remove your shoes and socks and walk on the earth for added benefits. It worked for Richard Gere in the movie \u201cPretty Woman\u201d.<\/p>\n\n<p>Many neighborhood communities have nature trails you can visit at your leisure. Start or end your day with time in nature. For even more stress benefits, sit next to a river or another body of water. <\/p>\n\n<p>Gardening is also a great way to spend time in nature.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4aa4a4f jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4aa4a4f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practice_Deep_Breathing\"><\/span>Practice Deep Breathing\n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-755f038 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"755f038\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"721\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/group_practicing_bellows_breath.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1116\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/group_practicing_bellows_breath.jpg.webp 721w, https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/group_practicing_bellows_breath.jpg-300x187.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-debc02d jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"debc02d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>People have been taking deep breaths for stress relief ever since the very first panic attack. Using a deep breathing exercise ensures better and longer-lasting results. Try: <\/p>\n\n<ul><li>Three-stage breathing<\/li>\n\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/breathwork\/pranayama\/bhastrika-pranayama\" target=\"_blank\">Bellows breath<\/a>&nbsp;(aka<em> Bhastrika<\/em>)<\/li>\n\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/event.us.artofliving.org\/us-en\/online-course-2\/?utm_source=post&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=&amp;utm_term=&amp;utm_content=\" target=\"_blank\">SKY Breath Meditation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>All three of these are taught through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\" target=\"_blank\">Art of Living Foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p>You may also want to read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/stress\/relief\/how-to-calm-down\" target=\"_blank\">How to Calm Down and Stay Calm: Your Breath Holds the Key<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9528a53 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9528a53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spend_Time_with_Your_Pet\"><\/span>Spend Time with Your Pet\n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fc430f jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7fc430f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dog owners enjoy numerous health and social benefits by walking their dogs a few times a week. Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/healthyliving\/dog-walking-the-health-benefits\" target=\"_blank\">decreased stress<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<p>And if you\u2019re a cat owner you can expect many of the same benefits (minus the stronger muscles and bones). In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/articles\/healthy-living\/joys-of-owning-a-cat.htm\" target=\"_blank\">cat owners<\/a> carry a lower risk for heart disease and strokes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Any pet will likely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/stress\/relief\/I'm-so-lonely\" target=\"_blank\">reduce feelings of loneliness<\/a> and decrease stress hormones alike.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2b13b2 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b2b13b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Identify_Your_Triggers\"><\/span>Identify Your Triggers\n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4e793c jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b4e793c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKnowing what triggers stress for us, helps us to avoid unnecessary stress. Not that stress is ever necessary, but it is part of life. Stress triggers are especially important when you\u2019re already feeling stressed. Take some time to figure out what you might be better off avoiding when possible.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-150568d jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"150568d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stay_Connected\"><\/span>Stay Connected\n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c4df0f6 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c4df0f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If the pandemic taught us anything, we learned just how important being connected to others is to our happiness and stress levels. Humans by their very nature are naturally social beings. Fortunately, you don\u2019t have to be physically present with others to feel connected. Zoom calls and the like are one way to connect when you cannot be with people.<\/p> \n\n<p>Volunteering and making a difference in someone else\u2019s life is a wonderful way to build connections with individuals as well as in communities. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98492ec jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"98492ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stay_Active\"><\/span>Stay Active <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a1d4ae jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a1d4ae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A body that moves can throw off stresses more easily. Exercise and physical movement in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/stress-management\/in-depth\/exercise-and-stress\/art-20044469\" target=\"_blank\">feel-good endorphins<\/a>, improve mood and distract you from daily worries.<\/p\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c830095 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c830095\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_Your_%E2%80%9CPause%E2%80%9D_Button\"><\/span>Find Your \u201cPause\u201d Button<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c80e0b5 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c80e0b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"721\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/man_in_present_moment_meditating.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1117\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/man_in_present_moment_meditating.jpg.webp 721w, https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/man_in_present_moment_meditating.jpg-300x187.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7b2ea1 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e7b2ea1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We live in a go-go-go world. Aside from breathing exercises and meditation practices, finding small ways to hit the \u201cpause\u201d button can help you find your balance in a moment of stress. Mentally and emotionally taking a step back from a stressful situation can look like a myriad of ways. <\/p>\n\n<p>Removing yourself from whatever is happening for just a few minutes and taking a brisk walk works well. Or, take some time to write down your negative thoughts and feelings, then transition to a more positive perspective until you regain your composure. Come up with your own \u201cpause\u201d button ideas before you need them.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fdb9050 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fdb9050\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plan_Your_Fun\"><\/span>Plan Your Fun<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32af01a jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"32af01a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Life\u2019s demands can sometimes suck all the fun out while also leaving you stressed. Each week, take out your calendar and schedule some fun. If you somehow miss taking time for fun in any given week, make sure you do two fun things the next week.<\/p>\n\n<p>The key takeaway here is that fun is an important stress reliever and can even prevent stress from being a bigger issue. So make sure you\u2019re having fun regularly<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0f9288 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f0f9288\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reframe_Your_Thinking_About_Stress_Itself\"><\/span>Reframe Your Thinking About Stress Itself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e1f8b16 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e1f8b16\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>How we think about situations can either raise our stress levels or lower them. Being stuck in traffic is a prime example of perceived stress. Being stuck in traffic can also be an opportunity to enjoy some music, listen to a podcast or book, or call a friend (hands-free of course).<\/p><p><b>Every stressful situation comes with the opportunity to look at things differently. <\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54da028 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"54da028\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_Control\"><\/span>Take Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ea74ba jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ea74ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen stressful situations become chronic, decide to do something different. Change a job, take a break from a toxic relationship, learn a stress management technique\u2013 do something proactive to change the dynamic causing so much stress.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c400bc7 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c400bc7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Challenge_Yourself\"><\/span>Challenge Yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-852e155 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"852e155\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"721\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/male_practicing_SKY_Breath_Meditation.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1119\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/male_practicing_SKY_Breath_Meditation.jpg.webp 721w, https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/male_practicing_SKY_Breath_Meditation.jpg-300x187.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-205c173 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"205c173\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ask yourself what you can do to lower your stress. Maybe it\u2019s something you don\u2019t feel you can do, either because of time constraints or some other challenge. Making time for your mental health might be difficult, but certainly worth it in the long run.. Remind yourself that anything beneficial is worth the time spent. <\/p>\n\n<p>Setting a goal like 40 days of meditating daily will transform your emotional well-being and overall health in ways you might not imagine. What else might be a challenge but also beneficial? Spend a little time imagining how you can challenge yourself in ways that would yield worthwhile results.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24aa7b3 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"24aa7b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Positive\"><\/span>Be Positive\n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bb0594 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1bb0594\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStress is like a magnet for negativity and complaining. Choose to be positive and you will feel less stressed. To help you cultivate positivity, spend time with people who are naturally positive. You can also read uplifting books like The Journey Within by Art of Living founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. \n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69d878a jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"69d878a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practice_Meditation\"><\/span>Practice Meditation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e6099f jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8e6099f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Today many doctors are recommending <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/stress\/relief\/meditation-for-stress\" target=\"_blank\">meditation for managing stress<\/a>. One especially powerful technique is the SKY Breath Meditation. SKY has shown a significant decrease in stress hormones as well as clinical and non-clinical <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/stress\/relief\/meditation-for-anxiety\" target=\"_blank\">anxiety<\/a> levels. Practitioners report having healthier blood pressure, enhanced deep sleep, reduced addictive behaviors, and PTSD.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>If you want less stress in your life and more joy and optimism, then check out our free breath and meditation session. In addition to learning about SKY, you\u2019ll enjoy a guided meditation and learn the deep breathing technique, Bellows breath, mentioned above. Why wait? Click on the image today to save your spot!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f82f464 jltma-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f82f464\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"721\" height=\"286\" src=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Intro_talk_banner_2022-1_1.jpg.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1123\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Intro_talk_banner_2022-1_1.jpg.webp 721w, https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Intro_talk_banner_2022-1_1.jpg-300x119.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone needs a little help managing stress these days. Our comprehensive guide makes that task easy so you don\u2019t have to stress out. Read to learn more. Knowing how to relieve stress is possibly the most important life skill you could ever have. Nearly half of all U.S. adults (49%) say that stress has negatively [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1189,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stress"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1107"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1107\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2984,"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1107\/revisions\/2984"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artofliving.org\/us-en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}