How do you manage stress?

Not well!

Ha!

No, seriously, I have found few ways that work for me.

1. Making plans – Either in my head or on paper. I like to think about the things I can control and have a plan. I make lists. What needs to be done and when. I make sure to leave time buffers to keep myself from being overwhelmed.
2. Distraction – If I cannot do anything about the source of my stress, I try to distract myself. I read, watch a movie, hang out with the pets, or hang out with other people. Keep my brain busy enough I cannot think on top of it.
3. Seek out comfort – I eat a food from my childhood that makes me feel comfortable. Or I do something or go something that triggers those feelings. The zoo, a fast food place I had as a treat as a child, things like that.
4. Nature – Go to a park, the beach, hike a trail, be outside away from the modern world. It is great to disconnect from everything that is upsetting you and going somewhere beautiful.

Sometimes I have to choose multiple options to really find a calm head space, but eventually I work it out.