Stress is an inevitable part of life. No matter who you are or what you do, you will experience stress at some point. While we can't always control the sources of our stress, we can control how we deal with it. I'll share with you my top three tips to help you beat stress.

1. Breathe

The first thing you need to do when you're feeling stressed is to take a deep breath. Breathing deeply helps to oxygenate your blood and relax your body. It also helps to clear your mind and focus on the present moment.

Breathing is an automatic bodily function that we often take for granted. However, the way we breathe can have a profound effect on our stress levels. When we are stressed, our breathing becomes shallow and rapid. This causes our heart rate to increase and our muscles to tense up. Over time, this can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, headaches, and insomnia.

To combat the effects of stress on our bodies, we need to learn how to breathe properly. Deep breathing is a simple but effective way to relax our bodies and minds. It slows down our heart rate and calms our nerves.

To practice deep breathing, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Slowly inhale through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand. Then exhale through your mouth, pushing all the air out of your lungs. Repeat this for 10-15 breaths.

2. Explore

When you're feeling stressed, it's important to find an activity that helps you relax and escape from your stressors. For some people, this may mean going for a walk in nature, listening to calming music, or practicing yoga. Find what works for you and make time for it every day. 

When we are stressed, it's easy to get caught up in our own thoughts and emotions. We may become so focused on what is causing us stress that we forget about the world around us. Exploring new things can help us take our mind off of our stressors and find new ways to cope with them.

3. Connect

We are social creatures and we need social interaction to thrive. When we are stressed, we may isolate ourselves from others. This can make our stress worse and lead to depression.

Your social support network is vital to your wellbeing and can help reduce stress levels. Talking to a professional can also be helpful. If you don't have anyone to talk to, there are many support groups available online and in person.

No matter what method you choose, remember that it takes time to beat stress. Be patient with yourself and don't expect immediate results. With time and practice, you will learn how to manage your stress in a way that works for you.

Thanks for reading!