Imagine. You just finished a giant project for your least favorite class and you can finally turn it in. Closing every single tab that you no longer need open for this forsaken assignment. This, to me, is therapeutic enough when I’m stressed, but there are more things you can do when you’re feeling especially overwhelmed.

Stress, unsurprisingly, can affect you in many negative ways. It has a big impact on the body, mind, and behavior. It can give you headaches, chest pains, stomach pains, and sleep problems. Not being able to deal with stress in a healthy and effective manner will have a negative impact. Finding out the right ways to reduce stress could determine if your stress is diminishing or building.

The biggest rule that will make that difference is to not put off whatever is causing stress. Procrastination will only make it worse. Even worse, though, is turning to destructive vices, such as alcohol or drugs. The first step to bypass those common harmful outlets is to try to not dwell on the negatives. As stereotypical and unhelpful as that sentiment is, not getting down on yourself will make a big difference in managing stress levels.

Once you’ve realized how much you need a break from all the hard work you do, it’s time to decide what your body needs to ease some of the tension. Sometimes it’s best to get more sleep, other times you need to stay hydrated, or to eat more fruits and vegetables. The main point is that sometimes being healthy will help out your mental state.

You could also try to meditate. There are many kinds of meditation, all of which are dedicated to quieting the mind and giving yourself a space to be at peace. Meditation can be as easy as closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and saying positive affirmations. Even if time is short, it is sometimes necessary to stop for a moment and take a breath.

If you need a more active way to relieve stress, getting up and moving is a good idea. Getting outside and taking a walk, doing yoga, or getting any exercise in general. L

For some, sitting still and listening to music that makes you feel happy or at peace, or reading a good book can be soothing. Something as therapeutic as cleaning your room or rearranging a component of it can also bring peace to some.

Properly destressing comes from getting oneself in a state of mind to find peace. When you feel overwhelmed, sometimes you need to take a step back and pause. The resume part may feel like the hardest thing to do once you’re in the pause state, but it’s all a matter of how you use that time. Giving yourself the self-care you need is important to continue on flourishing in your life.