How to Manage Stress and Achieve a Better Life 2024

Last Updated on May 6, 2024 by Kat Marie

Are you feeling bogged down by anxiety and need to manage stress? Who isn’t, right? It almost goes without saying it can be hard to focus on fulfillment when there are so many unknowns and stressors in life.

But trust me, it’s worth the effort to manage stress!

With having a busy household and four kids in school, I have come up with a few ways to help manage stress and reduce the amount of anxiety to create a happy home.

Also, keep in mind this is always a work in progress here in our home too – so don’t beat yourself up if things go off the rails a bit life keeps getting in the way.

Just like learning to surf you’re going to fall off into the wave that knocked you down – the trick is to get back on and not fight the ocean when it’s way more fun to ride those waves. Just keep at it!

Key Takeaways on Ways on Managing Stress 2024

• You are in charge of your happiness and there are several things you can do to improve it!
• Management of stress with take practice but can be achieved with these tips.
• Taking a break from technology will do wonders on your day to day stress. Be more intentional about your technology use.
• Finding a hobby can help relieve stress because you can do something that you want to work on and enjoy.
• Exercise can reduce stress and also make a healthier version of yourself. Endorphins is the euphoria feeling from exercise and the more you work out, the more euphoria you feel.
• Rest when you can! That will help your mental health and stress.

Ways on how to manage stress in your busy life!

Take a look at my list here and see how you can better your life!

Take a break from technology

Trust me, I get it—scrolling through feeds can feel like a great way to relax. After dealing with homework, dinner and the needs of the kids it’s easy to check out your favorite Instagram or other social media feeds – Lord knows it’s one of my go-to’s as well.

But too much screen time can actually increase your stress levels!

You probably have heard it elsewhere, and a simple Google search can bring up articles and studies galore – so I won’t do the same parroting. Just make sure you set aside at least an hour of tech-free time each day to reconnect with yourself and practice mindfulness.

For our kids, when they come home from school, we do NOT put on TV until homework and household chores are done so help ease the transition from “work” time to play time.

Often times that means there is not TV time at all – which is a bit of a fight but we’ve noticed the transition to their beds goes much easier when a screen hasn’t been involved.

Time management

When you manage stress by using your time well, you are able to prioritize tasks, create a structured schedule, and allocate sufficient time for each activity.

This allows you to work efficiently and complete tasks without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. By having a clear plan of action, you can eliminate the uncertainty and chaos that often accompany disorganized schedules.

Proper time management helps you avoid procrastination, which can lead to last-minute rushes and heightened stress. When you feel in control of your time and have a sense of accomplishment from completing tasks on time, it can greatly help manage stress and promote a calmer mindset.

Engage in a hobby

Hobbies provide a much-needed break from our daily responsibilities and allow us to focus on activities that bring us joy and relaxation. Whether it’s painting, gardening, starting a blog, playing an instrument, or any other hobby, these activities help divert our attention away from stressors and shift our focus to something enjoyable.

Hobbies also promote mindfulness and a state of flow, where we become fully absorbed in the present moment and lose track of time. This immersion in pleasurable activities acts as a form of escapism, helping to reduce anxiety and tension.

It also provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, boosting our mood and overall well-being. By dedicating regular time to our hobbies, we create a healthy balance in our lives and give ourselves permission to engage in self-care, ultimately you are able to manage stress levels.

If you’re interested in my hobby of blogging, take a look at this article on how to start your own!

• How To Start A WordPress Blog With Bluehost

Prioritize self-help

Second, prioritize self-care/help. It’s important to recognize that you need time for yourself in order to feel your best. This can look different for everyone, so find what works for you.

Whether it’s getting enough sleep or taking a yoga class, making sure that you prioritize self-care is key in managing stress and anxiety. I personally like to go shopping by myself so I can get that much needed quiet time on the weekends.

For some people, taking time for ourselves can sometimes leave you with a feeling of guilt; however, I’ve heard it explained like this: If you really want to give yourself to the world, make sure it’s the best version of yourself by putting your needs first every once in a while.

Related self-help content:

• How To Start A WordPress Blog With Bluehost
• Setting Goals To Increase Success For My Blog
• Great Reasons Why You Should Go To The Beach!
• The Ultimate Summer Bucket List
• The Power Of Positive Thinking Beyond The Festive Season

Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep helps regulate emotions, improving mood and resilience to stressors.

When we are well-rested, we have better cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving skills, which can help us manage stress more effectively.

On the other hand, lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, and heightened sensitivity to stressors. By prioritizing and ensuring adequate sleep, we give ourselves the best chance to navigate stressful situations with greater ease and maintain overall well-being.

As parents, this is probably one of the hardest things to do, but one of the most important ones! Take turns sleeping in on the weekends, trade off naps during the day, or get that much needed babysitter to to just SLEEP!

Reach out for help

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help! We all need a little support sometimes, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you need it.

Whether it’s talking to a therapist, getting advice from a friend, or joining an online support group, there are plenty of ways to get the fulfillment and relief to manage stress that you deserve.

Exercise

When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that boost mood and reduce stress hormones in the body.

Physical activity also helps increase blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and promoting a sense of clarity and focus.

Exercise also provides an outlet for pent-up energy and tension, allowing you to release and manage stress. Regular exercise can improve sleep quality, boost self-confidence, and enhance overall well-being.

Whether it’s going for a run or walk practicing yoga, or participating in team sports, incorporating exercise into your routine can be a proactive and effective way to manage stress and reduce tension.

Why should I manage stress?

When left unchecked, chronic stress can have a negative impact on our physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. High levels of stress can lead to a weakened immune system, increased risk of heart disease, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders.

It can also impair our ability to focus, make decisions, and perform well in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal goals.

By actively managing stress, we can reduce the negative effects it has on our body and mind. It allows us to cultivate resilience, improve our coping mechanisms, enhance productivity, and enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Ultimately, managing stress empowers us to take control of our health and happiness and be the best parents we can be for our kids!

Final Splash

I sincerely hope that with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to managing stress and anxiety in your everyday life! Don’t fight the ocean of life, you’ll lose every time, but you can ride those waves and even if you fall off the board you can get back on and surf some more.

Good luck, and remember: you are not alone. You can do this!

How have you been able to manage stress? Let me know in the comments!

#teamocean