Stress is a part of life, and to some extent a little stress is good for us. Stress can make us better and mentally stronger if we learn to manage it in healthy ways. The problem in today’s society is that we’re constantly under stress right now. Watching the nightly news is stressful. Scrolling through social media is stressful. Even going out in public (with all of the restrictions) is stressful right now. Here are 5 healthy outlets to deal with stress and overwhelm: To change your mind, change your state (get moving) Exercise is powerful. You can literally move your body to release emotions and stress. If you find it hard to get in the “zone” lately, then push yourself to train harder. When you train at your highest intensity, you won’t notice who’s around you and you won’t be in your head, instead, you’ll be too focused on trying to get through the next few reps. Talk to someone As cliché as it sounds sometimes you just need to vent. Talking about your stress can help alleviate it or maybe you’ll find that what you’re stressing over isn’t really as bad as it sounds or what you think. Make a list and manage your time Let’s be honest with ourselves, why are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Are you really doing your best with time management and prioritizing daily tasks? Start your day by making a list of the things you need to get done first, things you want to get done, and things that can wait until tomorrow. Crossing off these tasks as the day goes on can also provide some peace of mind. LAUGH There are plenty of funny movies and TV shows out there, and taking a minute out of your day to let yourself laugh can completely change your mood and your attitude. Step Brothers, Dumb and Dumber, The Office, and Friends - just to name a few. Unplug, and then plug into yourself and your mind It’s very important to create a cell-free time in your day- even if it’s only 10 minutes. No phone, no notifications. People have different ways of being more mindful, here are some ways you can “plug into yourself”: Start a journal. Write down possible things that you need to “get off your chest” so that you can clear your mind. Create a gratitude list – there is always something to be grateful for. Read a book- 10 pages of any book are all it takes to reset your mind, and give your eyes and brain a break from the screen. Check out The New York Best Sellers list. Go on a walk and get some fresh air. Nature and sunshine, especially, are amazing for the body, mind, and spirit. Don’t forget…taking care of YOURSELF is the ultimate way of dealing with stress. Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water play a major role in how you think and feel every day! What are some healthy outlets that help you deal with stress?