Stress is something we all have to deal with. For me, anxiety/panic attacks were a common thread beginning in my adolescence and spilling in to my early adult-hood. Stress affects me in a very physical way, where I’ll feel nausea, ill, headaches, chronic pain etc. It’s not something I really talk about on-line, but I’ve found that bringing something to light can really help others struggling with the same issue. I know others sharing their story with me has blessed and helped me. When stress affects your physical health, it can be overwhelming, scary and down right depressing. Over the years I’ve found ways to manage my nerves/anxiousness (it took me a while, and all by the grace of God and His healing), so I thought if this could even help one person, then it would be worth to post it! I don’t get too personal on my blog/social, but I feel like we live in a world now where anxiety is so prevalent. I feel safe with my readers/”followers” (I like to refer to you as more of my friends, rather than followers) and you all have been so good to me. So let’s dive in and squash the stress…
(1) Keep a gratitude journal.
When we’re stressed we tend to obsess, over analyze and focus on what’s wrong. Life is hard sometimes, can we admit that? But, there is still so much to be grateful for. I learned the power of writing down gratitude from this amazing book (1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp), and how healing it really is. It shifts your focus from the problem, and puts things into perspective that no matter how hard life gets, there is beauty in everyday. Life isn’t happening to us, it’s happening for us (Thank You Tony Robbins). I’m thankful that so many situations that were difficult to go through were also a chance for me to grow in my faith and build on my character. Bless the broken road, it gives us more compassion for others. I keep this journal beside my bed and before I go to sleep I write down ten things I’m grateful for. I always feel calm and peaceful after doing this.
(2) Essential Oils
I love my Saje nebulizers (if you follow me on Snapchat you know this!). Essential oils are great for relaxing, and I’ll diffuse blends that are more calming if I’ve had a tough day. It’s part of my unwind routine. Saje even has a blend called “stress release” filled with tension reducing ingredients like lavender and chamomile.
(3) Positive Podcasts
I live for podcasts! I love plugging into this while I’m working, taking a break to go for a walk, or getting my nails done and just need something good to listen to. Joyce Meyer is my favourite (her books, programs etc.)! She really gives it to you straight (she doesn’t sugar coat, and I love that) and always leaves me with a positive message. She takes a biblical approach to really sharing the message of God, but focusing on real-life problems we need perspective on (everything from relationships, stress, fear etc.). I’d really recommend looking into podcasts that can help shed some light. We can’t do life on our own, and while advice from friends and family is helpful, I always try to seek God first. Whenever I think I can solve something on my own or I rush to call someone about a problem, it never quite gives me peace. When I pray and seek His will before anything, He works out everything and has my best.
Recommended read: My Name is Hope by John Mark Comer (love his vids too!)
(4) Reassess your diet & health
Being malnourished or not giving your body the right nutrition is a huge factor in how you’ll feel in your everyday life. If you’re not feeding your body the right nutrients, you’ll often feel tired, lousy, unhappy etc.Γ When I first started my business I was working like a mad woman. Endless hours, not eating at the right times, staying up late to work etc. This took a major toll on my health and I got burnout. It was a scary time, and it really taught me to set alarms to take breaks, make food on a timely basis, and not put my health on the back burner. Staying physical is also really important for our minds to be strong and healthy. I’m not a gym junkie, but I do love walks, so I try to do that everyday! There is so much evidence and science linking our diet/physical activity to the state of our mental health and it’s important to fuel our body with goodness and not garbage. We kind of have to go back to being toddlers: we need time to run outside and play, we need naps, we need breaks and snacks. I think a lot of us forget this as we enter adulthood and think we need to fill our schedules until we burn out. Wrong.
(5) Do something for others
We can get so wrapped up in our own problems, we don’t realize that others have it so much worse. I’m not saying that to minimize what you’re going through, but I have foundΓ waking up and not focusing on my own issues and rather helping someone else can be extremely healing. I feel so much better when I help someone out, it really makes me happy making someone else happy. Buy someone flowers, hold the door for a stranger, pay for a coffee for the person behind you in the Starbucks line or volunteer. It’s a healthy distraction that will bring you peace and others happiness.
(6) Natural Supplements
I see a naturopath and I’m a huge vitamin advocate. I take probiotics, iron, oil of oregano, Omega 3, Vitamin C and a multi-B vitamin everyday to maintain my health. When I was going through a really rough time, my doctor told me about Holy Basil vitamins (you can get them at any health food store, but consult your doctor first). When I had really bad anxiety, I would take these as needed. I’m thankful I haven’t had to in a very long time, but they are all-natural and just provide relaxation, which I love. Rescue Remedy is another fave of mine, it’s just a tincture you put under your tongue and it dissolves. I take this with me when I travel because I get anxious on flights, so this just helps me to stay calm (another natural remedy).
(7) Music
One of the ways I de-stress is worship music. Focusing on praising God, even in the midst of chaos is what has helped me above all the tips I’ve provided. He has healed me in so many ways and music that glorifies Him takes the focus off myself and my issues. Here are a few of my favourite songs…
Hillsong United – Say the Word //Γ Lauren Daigle – Trust In You //Γ Amanda Cook – Heroes //Γ Hillsong United – Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)Γ //Γ Hillsong Worship – Thank You Jesus //Γ Hillsong United – Prince of Peace //Γ Hillsong United – Closer Than You Know // Ever Be – Bethel MusicΓ
(8) De-Clutter
Sometimes we don’t even realize how our surroundings affect our mind. Mess can give me anxiety. When I’m organized and everything has a place, I naturally feel more calm. I don’t hold material things too precious to my heart, even though my world is filled with clothes and beauty products, I donate and give away a ton of it! I recommend doing a purge every month to de-clutter, it does wonders for your mind. I recently got a PAX wardrobe from IKEA for my “cloffice” and I love that everything has a place! It makes me happy.
A great read on this: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
(9) Pour yourself some tea
I love tea. I don’t drink coffee (the occasional latte or iced coffee here and there), but tea is my jam. Coffee can actually give people who are naturally more anxious more stress, and accelerates their heart rate (which is probably why I’ve stayed away). Tulsi is another word for Holy Basil (which is the same herb I mentioned above), and they have Tulsi/Holy Basil tea! It’s a natural stress reliever. A hot cup of tea is also just so comforting when you’re stressed out.
(10) Laugh!
Don’t take life so serious. Even when it is, find a way to laugh. Call up your friend who makes you smile, watch a funny show (I revert to The Office, haha!) or a few YouTube clips of Jimmy Fallon / Jimmy Kimmel can always make me crack. You don’t have to let your stress take over your mood. You can’t choose what happens to you in life, but you can choose how you’ll react. Choose happy!
Lastly, as I mentioned, my faith has been a huge help when it comes to how I handle stress. God gives us people, food, tea, music etc. but He is the ultimate healer and when you seek Him first, lift your worries up, blessings just come pouring down. I promise you this. These are the scriptures I meditate on…
Do not be anxious about anything,Γ but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.Γ And the peace of God,Γ which transcends all understanding,Γ will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under GodΓ’β¬β’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.Γ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Come to me,Γ all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Γ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,Γ for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.Γ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;Γ do not be discouraged,Γ for theΓ LordΓ your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Sending you love & peace. XOXO

Great tips. Will remember these for sure π
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
Beautiful post!! I know it’s going to help so many π XO
Thank you so much for this. I’ve also had to deal with stress to the point that my doctor told me I had tension stress which causes really bad neck pains and headaches. She told me if I need help ask for it and if I need to getaway, then do it! Peppermint tea has helped me out a lot, too!
Sorry to hear about those headaches! Peppermint essential oil applied to the temples helps mine too. Praying for you! XO
I LOVE me some podcasts. My favourite lifestyle on to listen to is Garance Dore’s “Pardon My French”.
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
Thank you so much for this post, I too suffer from anxiety and it is very hard to control. Your sharing your ways to deal and get through are very helpful. Breathing exercises and visualization have helped me alot to manage my episodes. I love reading your blog daily and wish you would post more to snapchat. Love your new place by the way, where is that gorgeous pillow from??
Hi Kelly! Praying for your anxiety. Glad to hear you’ve found methods to help you. Thank you for your sweet comments! I’ll try to post more on snap, my day gets so busy shooting, editing, working etc. I don’t always find the time. The pillow is from CB2 π xo
Love this post babe! I struggle with physical manifestations of stress as well so this is super helpful π
Love you girl! Glad it could help! XOXO
Love your pink tank! Didn’t see it linked, do you mind sharing where it is from? Thanks!
It’s from Aritzia π
I absolutely love this post and I’m so glad I happened to see your post on Instagram that brought me over to your blog! I’ll definitely be trying some of your tips. And I love some of those same songs! Music is so powerful! π
xoxo ~ Alissa
http://www.LipglossandLabels.com
Thank You Alissa! XOXO
I LOVED this post! (and the photography is beautiful as well!) the worship songs you listed are some of my favorites, and I love the idea of listening to podcasts during down time. Thanks so much for being vulnerable and sharing!
Thank you Lauren! It’s definitely scary getting vulnerable on-line, but so worth it if it helps others π
This is a perfect reminder for me to incorporate God in more ways than just bible study and prayer. I’m getting married in September and have really struggled with the stress of planning something so big in under six months. I have found it difficult to keep up with reading but worship and podcasts sound like they would be perfect to keep things in perspective Γ’Β€ï¸ Thank you for the recommendations of where to start!
I just went through the wedding vortex, and I’ll be praying for you! Music really helped me in the midst of all of that. Sending you love & congrats!! xo
This is incredibly timely Steph, thank you for sharing…I felt calm just reading your tips π
Daisy xo
So happy it could help you, sending love your way! XOXO
Loved this post! I also rely on tea and natural remedies to relax and destress, but I’m also thinking of taking up a gratitude journal since I’ve heard such great things about what it can do for your mind. xx
http://www.shakespeareandsparkle.com/
Great post dear π
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Really great post! A lot people, including myself, can relate to this. It only makes it easier when we can all just be open about it. I enjoyed the tips as well. Thanks!
Loved this post. I’m a surgeon, mom of three and run my own practice. I found Jesus two years ago and it’s a great reminder to depend upon Him in times of stress. Random question – is your husband Indian? Since I was raised Brahmin Hindu, I am finding it difficult to retain my parents culture as an Indian- American Christian
Hi Rupa, what an amazing job you have! It makes me so happy you found Jesus. My husband is Indian and he is new to the faith as well. The best thing you can do is pray for them, love on them & continue to respect their traditions, even if you don’t participate in them. Praying for you! xoxo
Thank you for sharing. It helps!
Reading your post was like taking a page from my own life. I definitely relate with the struggle with anxiety and panic attacks and know that God has guided me to get through them and has taught me to be like David and turn my discouragement into praise which rescues me from the negative emotions. Another thing that helped is He turned me to your blog and starting my day with Him beyond prayer but also to set daily intentions which has helped more than I can say. God will bring the faith of another to carry your own and I think it’s wonderful that you use your voice to encourage others as we are called to do even when it’s not always comfortable, it’s important especially if it brings glory to God.
I had to completely change my diet and keep a regular sleep schedule to help calm my mind. I found that removing white flour and white sugar from my diet has also really helped although it’s definitely not easy but the difference is palpable. You may also wish to try a caffeine free tea and This Works sleep pillow spray you can pick up from Gee Beauty. The podcasts are definite life savers and I follow Joel Osteen which are so encouraging and uplifting but also just not to blame or be hard on yourself.
Thank you so much for sharing and the encouragement, it’s so important to talk about the good things that God brings because it helps you to remember all that He has done and does in out lives and especially to praise Him even in difficulties.
I know you are blessed to share your story and will help many ppl who will see God’s goodness in it.
‘Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together’- Psalm 34:3
I love your nail polish color. Can you tell me what it is? Pleeeease? π
Such a wonderful post, I really feel I have picked up some new tips to help with my current stress and mental well being. I’m so excited to put these tips into action, and look into the natural supplements as the benefits sound like they could help significantly.Thank you! x
I just wanted to say how much I love your blog and how unique your posts are! You are such a role model. I was wondering where you got your box that holds your Saje essential oils? Thanks so much! xx