At a time in the semester when stress and anxiety are at an all-time high, it can be hard to let go of everything that is weighing you down. Whether it’s people in your life that aren’t good for you anymore, the intense pressure of school and worrying about the future, or general feelings of uneasiness, there are many overwhelming factors that can be hard to cope with. Even though letting go is much easier said than done, it is essential for experiencing any kind of personal growth.
It can be difficult to talk yourself through strategies that will allow you to let go of the hardships you’re facing, so VALLEY has some helpful tips. For you to become the absolute best version of yourself, letting go of stress, anxiety, and toxicity is absolutely crucial. You won’t regret applying these tips to your life, and they may completely change your mindset.
Put Things in Perspective
One of the best ways to let go of stress and anxiety is to put things in perspective and take life day by day. Anything that is causing you anxiety right now, is something that you probably will never think about five years in the future. Not to say that your feelings are not valid, because they are, but it’s important to be able to ground yourself so you do not become consumed by your anxiety.
Try to confront your feelings each day, without thinking about the past or the future. If you think about things on a smaller scale, they are much easier to manage and let go of. Another way you can put your feelings in perspective is by noticing patterns. If you find that certain people or factors in your life are consistently causing you grief, it may be time to let go of them and move on. Don’t feel the need to keep things around to please other people, only focus on yourself and what is serving you.
Don’t Hold on to Anger
If you make it a habit to release feelings of anger and avoid holding grudges, it will allow you to feel free of much of the stress that is holding you back. This can apply to relationships, schoolwork, and life in general. It can be easy to feel angry at the world and angry at various people in your life, but this anger will not get you anywhere.
Especially when it comes to relationships, whether it be with friends, family, or a significant other, experiencing anger is not uncommon. Being angry at someone in the moment is natural, but holding on to anger for long periods of time can create tension that is bad for your mental health. Learning to forgive other people, and taking responsibility for your own actions, will help you be less angry and a much happier person.
Practice Self Care (Actually Though)
Practicing self-care is probably a tip you’ve heard many times, and it’s definitely a term that gets thrown around a lot. Even though it may sound super cliche, it is necessary to let go of things that are holding you back. If you’re someone who is constantly stressed and overwhelmed, you need to start taking time out of your day to take care of your own needs. If you start practicing self-care on a regular basis, you will naturally let go of parts of your life that are no longer serving you, along with the stress that those things bring.
Self-care can be different for everyone, but each form carries its own benefits. You could get into a new workout routine, discover a hobby that excites you, take up journaling, etc. The options are endless, and they will all allow you to learn more about yourself and what you need to feel happier. Taking care of yourself and prioritizing yourself over others is the one thing you should never let go of, and this skill will help you for the rest of your life.
What helps you let go of your stress and anxiety? Tweet us at @VALLEYmag!
