How to Destress

Do you suffer from stress? Anxiety? If so, how do you control it? For people like me, who have poor stress management habits, we often try to control the stress by controlling other things in our lives. In my case, I would waste hours trying to fit into what other’s call “societies’ norm”: taller than my 5’4” frame, slim, bigger breasts, straighter hair. I believed that once I controlled my body, I could finally control my anxiety and stress. However, when I (finally) went to my doctor, she mentioned some other ways to control my stress. They're loads better than what I was doing!

Be healthy: Super hypocritical for me to write, I know, but it’s true! Being healthy is the most love you can show to your body. Try to gradually cut out the excess caffeine, sugar, and salt, and replace those foods/drinks with healthier choices. Drink tons of water and tea! Because I can’t eat most of my favorite fruits anymore, I’ve fallen in love with Honest Tea brand green tea. It’s perfectly sweet, and everything about it is 100% organic so you don’t have to worry where it came from.

Be open: The main reason why my stress even progressed into an illness was because I refused to talk about it. I had stopped going to therapy a few weeks after I broke up with my boyfriend, and I had remained quiet about the anxiety I felt for months. Finally I went to the doctor last week, started talking to my friends about my feelings, and made more contact with my ex. My best friends are always very supportive (and if yours are not, cut them loose).

Be comfortable: This is nothing anyone can do overnight. I’m still trying to feel comfortable with myself, and I started in 9th grade! The step I’ve been taking recently is not wearing makeup when I’m at work (by the way, check out Rachel Rabbit White’s No Make Up Week Project). This takes the pressure off trying to look pretty for other people, which we shouldn’t have to do anyways.

While these tactics work for me, sometimes being healthy, open, and comfortable in your own skin isn’t enough. My twin sister, my brother, and our adopted mother all take medicine to control their anxiety. It’s all about finding the perfect strategies that work for you.

Danielle Miller