Stress is a normal part of life. It’s impossible to avoid, and it doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. In fact, a little stress can be a good motivator, but so many people aren’t just dealing with a bit of stress each day. Unfortunately, too much stress has become the norm.

Whether it’s your personal life, career, or the uncertainty of the world, there are plenty of reasons to be stressed. But that comes with a price. It can lead to mental health issues like anxiety or depression. It can also cause physical problems, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of certain illnesses.

Thankfully, there are coping strategies you can use on your own each day to manage stress. Let’s take a look at a few of those strategies.

1. Get Physical

Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to reduce stress. It naturally boosts your endorphins, gives you more energy, and can improve your mood. Of course, you’ll feel even better if you manage to exercise outdoors, but we’ll talk more about that in the next section.

2. Spend Time in Nature

Try to spend a few minutes outside each day. Multiple studies have shown the mental health benefits of nature. It reduces stress, boosts your mood, and can help you fight fatigue. If you’re feeling overwhelmed during your day, step outside for a few minutes to re-center yourself. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can calm down.

3. Take Deep Breaths

Deep breathing is often used in meditation for a reason, but trying it on its own will also make a big difference. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress, stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and take a few intentional, deep breaths. Let them out slowly. This sends a message to your brain and body that it’s time to relax, and it’s one of the fastest ways to calm down from a stressful state.

4. Stretch

When you get stressed, your muscles tense up. Unfortunately, that can make you feel worse and cause a bit of a vicious, stressful cycle. To let go of that stress, stand up and do some simple stretches. Loosen your muscles up as much as possible, and treat yourself to a massage every once in a while. Getting the knots out of your muscles will relax both your mind and body.

5. Take a Break

Life is busy, and it can turn chaotic any day. That can cause you to be overly distracted by the things you think you need to accomplish. But it’s essential to take breaks throughout the day so you can manage your stress levels. Even if you have to schedule breaks or set alarms to remind yourself, make them a priority during your day. You’ll be surprised by how much a few minutes of relaxation can help.

6. Do Things You Enjoy

In addition to making time for breaks, make time for things you enjoy too. Self-care has become a bit of a buzzword this year, but it’s vital for your well-being. Try to do something each day that makes you happy. It could be something as simple as partaking in your favorite hobby. Doing things you enjoy—even if they’re small things, can give you the boost you need to get through stressful moments.

7. Get More Sleep

Stress can make it hard to get the right amount of sleep each night, creating a vicious cycle. The less sleep you get, the more stressed you’re likely to be. Do your part by making sleep hygiene a priority. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Avoid caffeine later in the day, and don’t use electronic devices for at least an hour before bed. If you can wake up feeling well-rested, you’ll start your day off with a more relaxed mindset.

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Stress will always be there, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Keep these coping strategies in mind to manage stress every day, and enjoy the relaxation they can bring.