Healthy (and Actually Doable) Alternatives for Coping with Stress

None of us is immune to stress. Some of us treat it like a pesky neighbor that is always knocking on our door, while others give stress a guest room and invite it to stay.

There is a better way to deal with stress than eating a whole box of Girl Scout cookies when no one is looking.

Laugh

Laughter is the best medicine for stress. It increases the endorphins, decreases your heart rate, and lowers your blood pressure. 

Move Like Nobody’s Watching

Exercise doesn’t have to equal pain. Turn on your favorite music and dance around your living room. Go for a walk and enjoy nature. Moving releases endorphins that help with stress.

Trade Snacks for Sips

Many of us reach for comfort food when we are stressed. Swapping unhealthy snacks for a relaxing and soothing drink can calm your nervous system.

Write It Out (No Filter Needed)

Get a notebook, use your phone, and write down how you feel. It will make you feel better once you get it all out. Writing down your anger and sadness helps you cope and maintain a healthy balance of needing to express yourself and moving on.

The Bottom Line

Stress isn’t going anywhere, but how you deal with it makes all the difference. Instead of leaning on habits that leave you feeling worse (looking at you, 2 a.m. pizza), these alternatives help your body and brain bounce back with more energy and clarity.