11-29-2012 at 11:23 AM

Another way to help yourself out when you're really stressed out is to try square-breathing.<br /> Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, breathe out for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and repeat :)<br /> We used to do it in drama class back in highschool to get rid of stage fear.

11-28-2012 at 7:54 AM

Thank you so much- both of you. :)<br /> <br /> Cat Steaks~ I have developed a habit of talking to myself already ^^; but it works... Sort of <br /> <br /> The Sweet and Tender Hooligan~ Thank you for the great advice! I'll definitely try some of those. (:

11-28-2012 at 6:57 AM

I find that when I'm stressed, talking out loud about it/having a conversation with myself works well.<br /> Like.. pretend there's another person in the room and have a conversation about what's stressing you with "them".<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, this habit has worked so well for me sometimes that I now regularly have conversations with myself lmfao and I get a lot of "what?" "what did you say?" when family members hear me, thinking im talking to them

11-27-2012 at 11:45 PM

The best ways to deal with stress and anxiety is something that will definitely vary from person to person, depending not only on their lifestyle, personality and unique psyche, but also of course the source of their stress/anxiety.<br /> <br /> Personally, my anxiety is largely due to a chemical imbalance, so for me the best medicine is always, well, medicine. That's not always an option for some people, though, and just isn't the right choice for others.<br /> <br /> <br /> General tips & things I personally find helpful:<br /> <br /> 1. If possible, identify the source of your stress/anxiety. Understanding <i>why</i> you're stressed (even when it's for an abstract reason) can be very helpful and give you a sort of power over it.<br /> <br /> 2. Rationalise it. This goes hand-in-hand with the above. Take a step back from it, and look at it from a logical standpoint. For me, this is the absolute key to coping with anxiety, but it's not something that every can do easily, so it may not be a very helpful suggestion.<br /> <br /> 3. The obvious one: Reduce your stress.<br /> Identify whether or not there are specific things that stress you out. Sometimes it's things you wouldn't even realise, like your room or desk being messy, or having to see a particular person (even when it's a friend!). Making changes where you can to reduce or eliminate stressful circumstances in your habitat & environment can make a big impact on your overall well-being.<br /> <br /> 4. Set aside specific unwinding time for yourself.<br /> An hour or two in the morning, or in the afternoon, or before you go to sleep -- whenever works best for you to fit it in. But make space in your life to have some time to yourself, and make it a priority. Use the time to do whatever you want, but it should be something that makes you feel good and at peace.<br /> I would generally recommend something that you find calming and relaxing -- taking a long walk by yourself with some music and a travel mug of some warm beverage, or else curling up in a quiet place with a book or whatever (and again, warm beverage; I believe wholly in the healing powers of a warm drink, haha) -- but you may prefer to do something more active or energising such as working out or spending time with family/friends.<br /> <br /> 5. Get a good night's sleep. Always get as good a rest as you can.