Daily stress is normal. But, when it gets out of hand, it becomes chronic stress that can negatively affect your health.

When your stress levels get too high, try these helpful ideas to bring them back down:

• Take a walk. Something as simple as taking a walk can help reduce your stress. When you feel your stress levels climb, take a break from what you are doing, step outside and take a quick walk. Breathing fresh air, getting some sunlight and disconnecting for a few minutes can also help your stress and physical health.
• Focus on your breathing. Try deep breathing exercises. When you breathe out, count to 20. Then, do the same when you breathe in. Focused breathing will lower your heart rate, which will calm your mind.
• Get some rest. A lack of good quality rest can cause your stress levels to rise. Sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health.
• Spend time with loved ones. Quality time with the ones you love most can go a long way in reducing your stress. It doesn’t have to be long if you are not feeling social. Take a few minutes to laugh, smile and talk with your support system.
• Laugh! Laughing automatically puts you in a lighter, happier mood. Your body releases endorphins when you laugh. These chemicals naturally make you feel happier and less stressed. So, when you need a good laugh, call a friend, watch a funny movie, read a funny book or do whatever makes you chuckle.
• Therapy. Research shows that therapy can lower stress levels. It can also help you with other things that you are dealing with in your life, which can impact your stress levels.
• Meditate. Meditating helps to clear your mind of stressful thoughts, letting you focus on your surroundings. It helps to get your breathing under control and understand any physical sensations your body might be feeling. Even a five-minute meditation could help calm you down and get your stress levels back under control.
• Try something creative, like painting. Creative hobbies allow you to direct nervous energy into something fun and fulfilling. Painting is relaxing and allows you to refocus your thoughts. So grab some brushes, paint and a canvas or piece of paper and paint away!
• Do some reading. Reading is an effective, and relaxing way to reduce stress. It can be as quick and easy as a short story or a novel if you have more time. Reading takes your attention away from what is causing you stress.
• Take a bath. A 15-minute bath can go a long way in calming your mind and stressful thoughts. Add essential oils like peppermint or lavender to your bath to help you relax. 
• Listen to music. Listening to relaxing music or music that makes you happy can quickly lower your stress levels.
• Look at the color green. That might sound odd, but research shows that colors can affect your mind. The color green has been found to help people feel calm and relaxed. The. So, when you are feeling stressed, step outside and look at green trees and plants or wear a piece of green clothing. 

Stress is something we all have to deal with. It’s a part of life. But there are ways to deal with stress before it negatively impacts your health. Don’t let stress get the best of you!