How have you been feeling lately? If you’ve found yourself with more stress than usual, you are not alone. There is a lot out there to stress about. I’ve found the consensus among my online Pilates clients that they are looking for extra stress relief in their sessions these days. They always feel less stressed after their classes. I’ve felt it myself too, the jaw clench, verge of a headache and just needing to chill. Pilates always takes the tension away. Here are some ways I’ve found to let go of the stress and enjoy life more. 

1. Exercise! This is key and not just because I am a Pilates instructor. Exercise gets your blood pumping and your breath moving throughout your body. You also get a rush of endorphins. WebMD says, "Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.” Um, ok! I’ll take it. You might find it easier to get your exercise in by joining a group that will hold you accountable. My online Pilates classes are not only convenient because you can do them from home, but they are also welcoming! I have small classes with sweet students that are supportive of each other. 

2. Intentional breathing. This is also a benefit of Pilates as we breathe with intention during the class. But it’s not just Pilates. If you recognize that you are getting stressed, you can stop and take a deep breath in, hold it for a moment and let it go. Do this a few times and you should feel better. This is really helpful when you don’t have an extended period of time to meditate. 

3. Take a break! There is a lot of stuff to do these days, whether you are looking for a job, working overtime or even just taking care of things at home. Taking a break, even if it’s just 30 minutes to read an actual book or lie still doing nothing, should help get you out of the stress cycle. If you are Type A for activity like me, this is easier said than done. But it can be done. 

4. Stop the news cycle! You do need to stay informed with what is going on in the world right now. You don’t have to stay connected to the news 24/7. There is a lot of repeat and rehashing with 24/7 news reports. If you can, give yourself a specific amount of time to consume the news once or twice a day. Then let it go. 

5. Make a list and set a timer! If you know what you need to do you can make sure it gets accomplished. Sometimes the actual list is smaller than you think. I have always been a list maker and I love setting a timer to complete tasks. Make a list of things that need to get done just for this week. Then go through the list and highlight the top three things that must get done. Once you know what you have to do, set a timer for about 30 minutes and get to work. If you need more time once the timer is up either set another timer for a 5 minute break or reset the timer for 30 more minutes. Continue this until your tasks are complete. 

Stress is something we must deal with right now. Part of dealing with it is finding the ways you can let it go. If you hold onto stress it can cause major health problems and no one has time for that right now. Try some of these tips and see if they work for you. And if you are looking for a welcoming, non judgmental group to join for exercise I have online group Pilates classes just for you! Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 AM CDT and Friday noon CDT. You can sign up for class here. 

Read more about WebMD’s Endorphin resource here.