How to Deal with Stress In A Productive Way

By Sierra Powell

Stress is a natural part of life, and some of us experience more stress than others throughout the day. Whether you have a demanding job, health concerns, or family obligations, it can be easy to become overwhelmed from time to time. Fortunately, there are some ways you can turn stressful energy into motivation to get more accomplished.

Here are some practical ways to deal with stress in a productive way.

#1 Take a Break

When you’re on a deadline to finish a huge project for work or you have to turn in an assignment for school, it may seem counterintuitive to stop working for a while. Taking a break when you feel stressed helps calm your mind and body and help you come up with an organized plan of action. During your break, you can engage in deep breathing exercises, or bring a pen and paper with you on your break to write down the tasks you need to complete in order of priority. When you return to your task, you’ll likely feel less anxious and ready to get more accomplished.

#2 Spend Time In Nature

Taking some time to explore the outdoors can help you turn your stress into productivity. You can participate in activities like kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing, so the hyperactivity you may feel from stress can be utilized in a healthy way. These activities also help you get a great workout while you get some fresh air. If you want to spend a few days outdoors, you may want to try camping. There are several campsites in California you can visit to spend the night under the stars, hike along tree-lined paths, and go canoeing or swimming to make the most of your camping adventure.

#3 Get a Good Night’s Sleep

One of the best ways you can deal with stress and increase your productivity is to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Studies have shown that people who get adequate sleep every night are happier and able to accomplish more during the day. This may be easier said than done depending on your work and family schedule.

You can increase your chances of getting restful sleep each night by playing nature sounds in your room to calm your nervous system, Using a white noise machine to lull yourself to sleep, and using an essential oil diffuser to emit chamomile and lavender oils into your bedroom to calm your mind and body. It may also be helpful to create a bedtime routine for yourself that includes turning off your television and devices about half an hour before you go to bed.

#4 Create an Exercise Routine

If you find that you’re feeling stressed more than normal, you may want to try working out more. Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood and regulate your energy levels. When you’re not as fatigued during the day, your concentration will improve and you won’t feel as frustrated when you have to take on tasks that require more focus. Stress can also cause a buildup of cortisol in the body, so when you exercise more, you may find that it is easier to manage your weight, which can lead to reduced stress and anxiety.

#5 Make Time for Meditation

You can turn your stress into productivity by taking time for daily meditation. When you meditate, you allow stressful thoughts to pass through your mind without trying to resolve them. You simply acknowledge them and allow your mind to process a new thought. This may help you realize that the things you are stressed about are manageable if you come up with a plan to resolve them. Meditation also reminds you that there are certain things you can’t control, and you should focus on energy on the things you can change. It’s best to meditate in a quiet space each day so you’ll be free of distractions. After your meditation session, you can write your thoughts down in your journal as a way to remind yourself of the progress you’ve made when it comes to managing your stress levels.

If you’re looking for ways to become more productive during the day, keeping your stress under control is one of the best ways to make sure you achieve more of your goals.

Author Bio

Sierra Powell is a freelance content writer who graduated from the University of Oaklahoma with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Writing. When she’s not writing, she loves to cook, sew, and go hiking with her dogs

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