Stress is part of life, but chronic stress can harm both your body and mind. Learning how to manage stress is crucial for staying healthy and feeling good. By adding simple stress-reducing habits into your routine, you can become more resilient and enjoy a better quality of life.

1. Relaxation Techniques

Practices like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery help calm your nervous system. These methods activate the “relaxation response” the opposite of the “fight or flight” stress reaction. With regular use, they can improve your emotional balance and help you cope better over time.
A study published by Human Movement showed that adding relaxation methods to physical education helped students improve stress coping skills. [17]

2. Physical Activity

Exercise boosts feel-good brain chemicals called endorphins and lowers cortisol, the main stress hormone. Whether it’s walking, dancing, or doing yoga, any enjoyable movement can help reduce stress.
Research published by ScienceDirect also confirms that combining stress management strategies like progressive muscle relaxation with physical activity improves health in people with asthma. [18]

3. Hobbies and Creativity

Doing something creative or fun — like painting, gardening, or playing music — gives your brain a break and provides a sense of achievement. These mental “timeouts” help reduce stress and lift your mood.
A broad review published by Karger found such approaches effective in children, too, improving both emotional and physical symptoms of stress. [19]