Stress is inevitable, and how we process the stress that comes our way can make all the difference in our lives and the lives of those around us. There are many ways to process stress in a safe and healthy way, and you can learn more about that by downloading my free stress management checklist. In the mean time, here are my preferred ways to manage stress in my life:

Journaling. This was the first thing I tried when I began working on changing my relationship with stress and I noticed a change in my stress level very quickly. My process follows the process shared in book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I handwrite three pages every day as soon as I get out of bed. I write whatever comes into my mind, and I have never read an entry or shared my notebooks with anyone. I find that when I finish writing, whatever I have written about that day has greatly lost its power. On days I can’t think of anything to write, I refelct on what I am grateful for.

Exercise. My exercise of choice is taking a walk each day. I find that 20-30 minutes of movement each day does wonder for my body and my mind.

Meditation. I had a very similar experience with meditation as I did with journaling. I felt different and better after my first meditation session of just 5 minutes. I personally fond it difficult to meditate longer than 15 minutes at a time so I choose to meditation three times a day for a total of 45 minutes. My favoriate meditation apps at the moment are Ten Percent Happier and JKZ Meditations.

It’s important to remember that there are many ways to process stress in a safe and healthy way. The best way to figure out what works for you is to get started. You can pivot as needed until you land of tools that work well for you.