We all have habits. Some of those habits are better for us than others. What if yours could help you to reduce your stress levels?

Stress is one of the most dangerous things in this world, yet we’re all exposed to it constantly.

Some of us face more stress than others. For instance, if you’re in a particularly challenging job, or you’re struggling with your relationship, you might find that your stress levels are overly high. Too much stress in your life can lead to chronic health conditions.

The good news? There are simple things you can do to reduce your stress levels!

Here are a few stress-reducing habits to develop:

1. Journaling. Journaling is an often-underestimated practice. Writing down your thoughts and feelings helps you to organize them more effectively. This can also help with processing complicated ideas or coming up with creative solutions for your challenges. Speak with your counselor on formulating a routine to help begin your journaling process to begin your healing journey. This also can be useful to re-visit in your counseling sessions if something new comes about, that may not have been brought up during your therapy sessions.
   
   • There are tons of ways to get started with journaling. Some people simply grab a notepad and a pen and get to it. Others prefer using journaling apps that come with prompts to guide them. It’s all about finding what works for you.
     
   • If you don’t want to waste paper, or prefer typing, don’t worry. You can create your journal on your computer too.
     
2. Exercise. If you’re constantly facing high levels of stress, you might think you don’t have time to exercise. After long days at work or tough days looking after the kids, sometimes all you want to do is sit down and relax.
   
   • While there’s nothing wrong with taking a break, it does help to get more activity into your schedule whenever you can. Making a regular dose of exercise part of your daily schedule could make a huge impact on your life.
     
   • You could do something simple, like walking the dog or taking a bike ride. Or you could look into joining health classes and learning how to do something new, such as dance. There are even classes you can take online these days.
     
   • Exercise is great for boosting endorphins, strengthening self-esteem, and protecting you against a range of ailments.
     
3. Enjoy some music. Here’s a hobby we can probably all get behind.Who doesn’t love music?
   
   • Music is capable of making us feel incredible. Therapists and medical professionals often recommend listening to music for its health-enhancing properties.
     
   • Music can be a fantastic way to relieve stress, and it can even reduce your experiences of stress, physically and emotionally, by allowing you to relax more completely.
     
   • There are tons of ways to add a little music to your day. You can play your favorite songs on your commute to work or just play some music in the background when you’re cooking in the kitchen.
     
   • It also doesn’t matter which kind of music you listen to. Anything you enjoy will reduce your stress levels and boost your mood.
     
4. Socialize. Finally, it’s worth remembering from time to time that human beings are social creatures. When we’re feeling sad, stressed, or less than our best, it’s common to want to isolate. However, the best thing you can usually do during these difficult times is to connect with others.
   
   • You don’t have to be face-to-face to feel the benefits. If possible, you can always give a friend or family member a call or video chat with them.
     
   • If you do happen to have access to someone nearby that you love, arrange to have a cup of coffee with them or just give them a hug the next time you’re nearby.
     
   • Remembering that you’re not in this alone is great for your mood, and socializing can significantly strengthen your confidence too.

Instilling these enjoyable habits into your daily routines will have a positive impact on your life, while greatly reducing your stress levels. Try it! You’ll like it!