Photo by Mikel Ibarluzea on Unsplash

9 simple ways to dramatically reduce your stress

Stress is that silent assassin that too many of us mislabel as an ‘ally.’

I hate to break it to you, but you aren’t a brave martyr by taking on unnecessary stress.

We perform better when we’re happier and more relaxed.

Our gifts are used more effectively when we aren’t anchored by stress.

Here are some low-hanging fruit ways to quickly diminish it:

1. Do not allow seeds of self-doubt to germinate.

Thoughts about how shitty everything is will come whether you ask for them or not.

The difference is in whether you choose to flood those thoughts with your attention, or whether you turn away stoicly.

Doing more of the latter will reward you with an ever-growing sense of optimism.

2. Make a decision to take responsibility for everything that has happened, is happening and will happen in your life.

All of it.

This is relieving because, guess what, now you can’t blame anyone else anymore. You’re in the driver’s seat.