Stress is a killer, and it’s also a bully. When you’re stressed out, you have less ability to handle the problems that come your way. This means everything falls down into a negative cycle that can be hard to break, but with this guide, you can do just that. Start destressing and reclaiming your life today with these top tips:

Identify the True Cause of Your Stress to Mitigate it at the Source

The first step to kicking stress to the curb is to identify the true cause of your stress. Sometimes we may think we know what’s causing our stress, but it’s actually a symptom of a deeper issue.

Take some time to reflect on what’s causing your stress. Is it work-related? Relationship issues? Money problems? Once you identify the true cause, you can take steps to mitigate it at the source.

For example, if a heavy workload causes stress, you can talk to your manager about delegating some tasks or adjusting your schedule to reduce your workload. If relationship issues cause your stress, you can seek the help of a therapist or counselor.

Treat Yourself Regularly

It’s important to take time out for yourself regularly to recharge and unwind. There are so many amazing, small ways to treat yourself that will do wonders for your mental health and well-being and won’t break the bank. Something as simple as soaking in a bubble bath, or making an amazing dish, can do wonders. The key is to do these things for yourself intentionally. Date yourself and treat yourself the way you deserve, and you’ll feel the care and love.

Eat Well and Be Well

Eating well, meaning the food you eat is delicious but also nourishes your body, is critical for maintaining good physical and mental health. Food and drink packed full of sugars, salts, and fats can actually cause anxiety since they’re hard for your body to process and are also highly addictive. Instead, aim to jam-pack your meals with nutrients. When you nourish your body, you’ll find you have more energy, are in a better mood, and can actually get on top of your stress instead of feeling like it’s drowning you. To get more out of your diet, follow up with exercise. Exercising is a great stress reliever and can also release endorphins for a two-pronged benefit.

Get the Sleep You Need

Sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Lack of sleep can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. When you’re tired and frustrated, and your emotions seem to always be at the surface, it’s hard to get things under control unless you sleep – and well. To sleep better, avoid caffeine from the afternoon onwards. Drink more water throughout the day. You’ll also want to establish a wind-down routine so that you stop looking at your phone and other electronics and start going to bed at the same time every day. This can help you get your sleep schedule on your side so that you can get a deeper, better night’s rest regularly.