There are so many different things that can cause you stress in today’s modern world, and it certainly doesn’t seem easy to find peace amongst a hectic schedule. 

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way for much longer. This guide contains 5 of the best steps that you can follow to increase your chances of achieving ultimate calm, and it truly couldn’t be any simpler to get started today. 

So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more! 

Get Up & Get Active: Release Steam Through Regular Exercise 

One of the best ideas that you can explore to help kick stress to the curb is to get up and get active. Exercise is absolutely key when it comes to maintaining good mental health, as it allows you to release some steam while getting a boost of serotonin at the same time. Avoiding exercise can have all manner of negative effects on your day-to-day life, leading to increased fatigue, weight gain and more, which will all likely increase your stress levels unnecessarily. It’s clear to see why regular exercise is so essential, but what exercise is best for stress busting?

Well, there are lots of different exercises that you can get involved with to help rid yourself of any tension or worry. High energy sports like aerobics or dancing can be a brilliant way to release some steam, while options such as kickboxing and other fighting sports are perfect to help you get rid of any negativity (picture your problem and punch the living daylights out of it!). You can also take part in calming exercises like yoga or swimming, as such sports can help to transport you to a more relaxed and balanced state. It’s a good idea to aim to exercise every day for around 30 minutes to keep your stress levels at bay and help support your general health and well-being. 

Stop Bottling It Up: Don’t Be Afraid Of A Helping Hand 

Another key tip that you should aim to make the most of is to stop bottling up your emotions, as you never need to be afraid of a helping hand in times of stress and difficulty. Forcing yourself to work through the toughest of situations completely on your own will make things far harder than they truly need to be, as a problem shared is a problem halved! Whether you need help with your studies or can’t cope with certain situations in your private life, reaching out for support and assistance will no doubt help to reduce your stress levels and aid you in finding peace once more. 

There are so many different forms of help and support out there that you can make the most of, no matter what it is that you are going through. If you’re struggling with your schoolwork and it’s keeping you up at night, then research some scientific study methods that have been proven to work. If you have had a falling out with one of your friends or family members, then don’t let it boil – sit down with them and sort it out with another person who can act as mediator and help to keep the pace. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, then visit a doctor or therapist to access the best support. There’s never any reason that you need to suffer silently on your own, so don’t be afraid to reach out when you’re experiencing high levels of stress so that those around you can point you towards relief. Don’t bottle it up if you want to find (and maintain) a sense of calm! 

Immerse Yourself In Nature: Try To Spend More Time Outdoors 

Immersing yourself in nature is an excellent way to minimize your stress levels, as spending time outdoors can provide you with a whole host of different benefits. You’ll be able to get some much-needed natural vitamin D from the sunshine, as well as a breath of fresh air that you won’t get while stuck indoors. You’ll also get the chance to think without constant distractions, as there are no smartphones, adverts or annoying colleagues messing up the great outdoors. Taking some time out from your busy schedule to relax outdoors is certainly going to aid you in finding peace. 

You can explore many different options when it comes to spending time outside to help beat stress, starting off with a simple walk. You can plan out a short walk through a local area of natural beauty, perhaps stopping at a lake or at the top of a hill to eat a spot of lunch surrounded by the sounds of Mother Gaia. If you need a longer break after particularly bad times of stress and struggle, then why not head to a natural retreat or go for a camping trip? You’ll be able to sleep under the stars and really reconnect with nature and your true animal instincts, which can help to make your problems appear irrelevant and pointless in the grand scheme of things. Nature has a special way of distracting you from most of the troubles of the modern world, so it’s definitely an idea to get involved with. 

Cut Ties With Negativity: Say Goodbye To Those Who Bring You Down

Do you have colleagues, friends or even family members who just don’t make you happy? If the answer is yes, then you need to take the opportunity to cut ties with these people before their negativity can increase your stress levels like you would not believe. There’s truly no reason why you should allow negative people to bring you down, as it’s totally up to you where you spend your time and who you spend your time with. 

If you do not like your working environment due to rude colleagues or unsupportive management, then quit and find a new career – a basic wage isn’t worth your happiness and self esteem. If your friends are being negative and upsetting, then sit down with them and tell them that you cannot hack their behavior. They might be willing to give a reason for their actions, which you might be able to help with, or you might simply wish to end the friendship there – be happy for the good times you had, and try to end on a good note without arguments and further stress. Family issues can be a little harder to handle, but at the end of the day you just have to be honest and explain how they are making you feel with their negative words or actions. It’s ok to cut ties with a family member if they aren’t willing to change their abusive ways, as your mental health is more important than saving face. 

Sound Asleep: Make Sure You Rest Well, Night After Night 

Last but by no means least, it’s vital that you can make sure you rest well night after night if you want to stand any chance of enjoying a stress-free life. Sleep is a time during which your body and mind relaxes and repairs, and after a good night’s sleep you wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized, ready to face anything! A bad night’s sleep can leave you feeling irritable, groggy and downright miserable, triggering all manner of problems and upsets that could have all been avoided.

Put your smartphone away for a couple of hours before bed to minimize artificial blue light exposure, cover your windows properly to minimize sunlight, and make sure you have a comfortable mattress with supportive pillows.