I feel it in the air. Ah, the familiar December energy… of anxiety. ;)

Anyone else out there feeling some spikes in your stress levels?

If you happen to be struggling lately with a sense of fear, worry, or overwhelm, this post is for you.

Here are five super simple ways you can take care of yourself today, which will help bring your stress levels down.

5 Simple Ways to De-Stress

Spend a few minutes focusing on your breath. Count the inhales for 3, exhales for 5. By slowing down your exhale, you tell your nervous system to r-e-l-a-x.
Get outside. Take a short walk. If you don’t have time for a walk, just get outside and look up at the sky. Briefly put in perspective where you are right now and what the air outside feels like. Ahhhhh, yes. Fresh air. ;)
Eat something to nourish your body, and then drink a glass of water. Ideally, do these things sitting down while in a quiet place with no distractions. Notice how your body feels after you’ve fueled up.
Make a list. What’s bothering you the most? What do you need right now?
Have the conversation you’re avoiding. Whether that’s with someone else or with yourself, just go there. You know the one I’m talking about— it’s that topic you’ve been trying to hide from or postpone looking at. It’s uncomfortable and it’s been on your mind for a while now. Just go ahead and get it out of the way. You’ll feel better afterward. ;)