No Stress Zone

RM’s tips for beating stress

April is National Stress Awareness Month—but let’s be real, we don’t need a monthlong holiday to realize any day can be a little stressy (raise your hand if you’re stressed right now). 

Stress is, of course, inevitable, whether it relates to your job, personal life, relationships or just general mental health. Some handle it better than others—but there are some simple tactics forwarding off the anxiety. With our high-stress, deadline-driven occupations, our team has a toolbox of tips for overcoming stress (naturally, getting outside and/or exercising rank high for their mental health benefits—and we love us some sunshine!). Here, some of our best advice for beating the scaries. 

“Exercise endorphins are real—and a good walk sorts the stress.”
—Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam

“Go for a run/workout.”
—Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol

“Take a long walk outdoors (preferably with a friend + by the water!).”
—Anna Beth Adcock, Editorial Assistant, @_annabethadcock

“A 5- to 8-mile walk outside—preferably on a daily basis!”
—Debby Serena, Account Executive

“Yoga!”
—Liz, Creative Director, @liz.reed.design

“My mom always told me when I was stressed or overwhelmed as a kid to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. I know it sounds simple, but I still do it all the time—literally whether it be a really hard test or a really bad hangover.”
—Carson Sellers, Editorial Intern

“My go-to stress relief tip is simple: Get outside! Every time I feel overwhelmed by my to-do list or am THIS close to losing it on my kids, I go for a walk or run. Breathing in fresh air always calms and reinvigorates me, while moving my body makes me feel strong and accomplished so that I’m ready to deal with anything life throws at me.”     
—Kelsie Barton, Contributing Writer, @kelsie_barton

“My go-to stress relief tip is walking my endlessly energetic cavapoo George. I leave my phone at home and consider it a walking meditation! I’m also a big fan of Yoga With Kassandra’s 10-minute morning and evening YouTube yoga videos! I always feel better after doing one.” 
—Ellie Davis, Contributing Writer

“Taking a long hot shower and then a face mask! Helps if you read a good book too.”
—Carlee Nilphai, Contributing Writer

“My best stress-relief tip is to scream at the top of my lungs into a pillow. Great way to get your emotions out and focus!”
—Heidi Reid, Contributing Writer, @heidi.laurel

“Stream of consciousness journaling for five minutes!”
—Susannah Richardson, Contributing Writer

“Thirty minutes of stretching while listening to a podcast”
—Sean Junqueira, Contributing Photographer, @seanjunqueira

“When I’m feeling anxious or stressed out, I like to go for a nice long walk outside for at least an hour if I have the time. It helps break up any mental loops I’m ruminating on and resets my brain. When that doesn’t work, a nice cold martini please!”
—Forrest Mason, Contributing Photographer, @fmasonmedia