Stress can build and build in us, sometimes making it feel like taking care of our health is not a priority and healthy habits can seem hard to maintain. Although it may seem overwhelming, there are lots of great ways you can alleviate stress that don't feel like a ton of work.

1. Laugh
Humor and laughter are great stress relievers and are easy to access and enjoy. Search for standup comedy or sitcom to watch on a streaming service, listen to a funny podcast, or just call a friend and have a laugh together, whatever you enjoy and makes you laugh can help with stress.

2. Clean or organize
If you're stressed, having a cluttered or disheveled space can add to that stress. Taking the time - even just 5 or 10 minutes - to clean up the space around you can feel like a breath of fresh air to the mind.

3. Get more sleep
It may feel counterintuitive to focus on resting when you're feeling overwhelmed, but sleep is one of the key pillars of health. Without the proper amount of sleep, you're like to experience brain fog, difficulty focusing, and more issues that make accomplishing your to-do list even more difficult. Make sleep a priority and be amazed how much better you feel. Set yourself up for success by focusing on consistently following a sleep prep routine, setting up a good sleep environment, and checking in with a medical professional if you have experiencing persistent insomnia.

4. Try a "brain dump"
If you're feeling overwhelmed, once of the quickest ways to eliminate that overwhelm is to do a writing exercise called a "brain dump." The goal is to write down all the things overwhelming your mind - from your to-do list to your worries, fears, hopes, and dreams. You can write it or type it, either way the act of getting the overwhelm out can help calm the mind and organize your thoughts.

5. Experience nature
Even just a simple walk outdoors can help clear the mind and relieve stress. Time in nature has even been shown to lower blood pressure and improve mood. It might be cold right now but even a little time outdoors can do the mind some good.

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Stress relief isn't a one-size fits all situation, but we hope a few of these tips help you feel a little less overwhelmed. We are wishing a very happy and healthy 2022!