Welcome back to another episode of Do Life Big!

Today, I'm diving into something we all deal with—stress. With the kids back in school and summer flying by, I figured it was the perfect time to share some practical tips for handling stress effectively. 🌟

So, let’s talk about stress. It’s something we can’t avoid, but how we manage it can make all the difference. I recently heard about a fascinating study linking how we view stress to our longevity. Turns out, those who see stress as a normal part of life and learn to manage it tend to live longer than those who try to avoid it.

Here are seven tips to help you reduce stress in your life:

1. Breathe Deeply 🌬️ When stress hits, take a moment to focus on your breathing. Deep breaths can slow your heart rate and calm your mind. Try it first thing in the morning or even during your shower—just five to seven deep breaths can make a difference.

2. Practice Gratitude 🙏 Shift your focus from what’s stressing you out to what you’re thankful for. What you focus on grows, so paying attention to your blessings can really shift your mindset.

3. Take a Walk 🚶‍♀️Step outside and get some fresh air, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Being in nature helps lower your cortisol levels and gives you a break from what’s stressing you.

4. Write It Out ✍️ Got a million thoughts swirling in your head? Write them down. Putting your worries on paper can make them seem more manageable and help you find solutions more easily.

5. Watch Your Caffeine Intake ☕ Caffeine can speed up your heart rate and increase stress. If you notice stress peaking after a coffee or energy drink, it might be time to cut back or switch to a less stimulating option.

6. Laugh It Off 😂 Put on a comedy show or call a friend who always makes you laugh. Laughter lowers cortisol and releases endorphins—those feel-good chemicals in your brain.

7. Listen to Calming Music 🎶 Create a playlist of soothing tunes to help you unwind. Slow, calming music can be a great tool to bring some peace to your day.

I hope these tips help you manage stress better. I’d love to hear what strategies you use to handle stress.

Drop me a note and let’s add even more solutions to our stress-busting toolkit!

Hey there! Thanks for listening! ⭐

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