As a young adult trying to navigate life these days, I’ve discovered a great way to cope with it all: laying down, staring at the ceiling, and letting the day just… go by. Okay, I’m kidding—mostly. But really, with everything going on, who wouldn’t feel like shutting down every now and then?
From food shortages and inflation to natural disasters, rising housing costs, and job market chaos, it’s hard not to feel like the world is chipping away at our mental health one stressor at a time. Days are starting to blur together—wake up, work, pay bills, sleep, maybe fit in one fun activity a month. It’s no wonder we’re all feeling worn down! So recently, I asked myself, “How can I take better control of my days as the bad news just keeps rolling in?” And then it hit me: drastic times call for drastic measures.
It’s time for a personal no-social-media policy. If we want to feel less stressed, we need to carve out moments to slow down. Here are a few steps I’ve found helpful as I’ve started hitting the “pause” button, and I think they might help you, too.
1. Take a Deep Breath
First things first: just breathe. It sounds simple, but we rarely give ourselves permission to pause, clear our minds, and breathe deeply. Give yourself five minutes to close your eyes, breathe in, and let the stress of the day go. Let it be a mental reset, especially after you’ve worked through another day you’d rather forget.
2. Try Reading or a Coloring Book
Reading can be a great escape, but if you’re not a big reader, consider a coloring book. Yes, coloring! It may sound a bit juvenile, but it’s actually an amazing way to reduce stress. Studies show that coloring helps lower cortisol levels, allowing you to unwind. Plus, it’s an easy way to give your mind a break without doom-scrolling on your phone.
3. Take a Warm Bath
In today’s fast-paced world, who even has time for a real soak? But hear me out: there’s something incredibly healing about taking time to relax in warm water. Let your muscles relax, your joints loosen, and your mind wander. Give yourself permission to take things slow—even if it’s just once a week.
4. Eat Healthier (Yes, Really)
I know, I know—eating healthier sounds like the hardest task on this list. But start small. Head to a local produce store and pick up some fruits you enjoy—apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, strawberries, whatever you like! You’ve probably heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And while it may sound like just another cliché, doctors have proven that adding fresh fruits to your diet can boost energy and give you the strength to tackle your day. And hey, maybe even add a daily vitamin to the mix for a little extra health boost.
These small steps have made a big difference in my routine, helping me feel more in control and less overwhelmed by everything that’s going on. Give some of these a try, and let me know if you’d like more tips on staying balanced in challenging times.
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