A little stress occasionally is normal. Feeling stressed frequently, however, can create some significant problems. Chronic stress can lead to mental and physical health problems. It can affect your work and personal lives. If you’re looking to reduce your stress, here are a few tips to help.

Talk Yourself Through It

Turn negative thoughts into positive affirmations and give yourself a pep-talk. Try some of the following:

• “I can’t do this” to “I can do this.”
• “I hate it when this happens” to “I’ve been through this before, and I know how to handle it.”
• “I can’t believe I messed this up” to “I’m human; let’s see how I can fix this.”
• “I feel helpless” to “I can reach out for help.”

Meditate

There are several ways to meditate. One way is to practice mindfulness, a strategy that involves slowing down and focusing on the moment. Other strategies to try include:

• Guided meditation.
• Deep breathing.
• Tai chi.
• Yoga.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

When you’re stressed, it’s tempting to reach for salty, sugary, processed foods. While they provide temporary relief, they can actually contribute to long-term stress.

A healthy diet helps to combat stress. Consuming foods like eggs, avocados, nuts, and blueberries help to balance your energy levels and improve your mood. You can also try adding supplements to your diet, such as vitamins or CBD products.

Get Some Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, or “feel-good” hormones. Even just a short walk can help to get your blood flowing and trigger the production of endorphins, instantly boosting your mood.

Do Something You Love

Do something that makes you happy. Whether that’s reading a book, playing a sport, painting, sewing, or something else, doing what you love can help to melt stress away and make you feel better.

Short-term and long-term strategies can help you to manage your stress levels and improve your overall quality of life.