Take Care of Yourself

Even a few minutes of quiet time can be refreshing and help to quiet your mind and reduce anxiety. Soak in a bubble bath, listen to music, read a book, or listen to a podcast or audiobook — whatever helps you relax.

While watching a good movie/TV show or unwinding by browsing social media and other websites can be relaxing, balance is important. Try to make a conscious effort to spend less time in front of a screen — television, tablet, computer and phone — including 30 minutes before bedtime.

 

Maintaining a regular schedule is important to your mental health. In addition to sticking to a regular bedtime routine, try to keep consistent times for meals, bathing and getting dressed, working or studying, and exercise. This predictability can make you feel more in control.

 

• Get enough Sleep

Sleep quality has a dramatic effect on mood. After a night of little or no sleep, you will probably feel more anxious and short-tempered. Once you sleep well, your mood often returns to normal. Some things that can improve your sleep include a consistent sleep schedule and physical activity (see below).

• Participate in regular physical activity.

Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease tension and improve mood, sleep quality, and self-esteem. You could try an exercise app, get outside and go hiking on a nature trail, play a game in your yard, etc.

7 Minute workoutYoga for beginners 

• Eat healthy.

Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid loading up on junk food and refined sugar. Limit caffeine as it can aggravate stress and anxiety.

Forming and maintaining positive, supportive relationships is incredibly important to managing your stress level. We all encounter conflict in our relationships, and learning how to respond to it constructively and resolve conflicts is part of how we maintain those relationships.