43 Life Tricks That Work So Often They Feel Like Actual Cheat Codes

If you don't feel stressed out now and again, who are you even?

The American Institute of Stress (AIS) notes that stress is "an unavoidable consequence of life." And according to the 2024 American Psychiatric Association Annual Mental Health Poll, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year. 53% of those surveyed said stress had the biggest impact on their mental health, while 40% blamed a lack of sleep.

Experts at the AIS say that some sources of stress are inescapable, but there are others you can do something about. Yet, many of us never bother to distinguish between the two...

"Make a list of things that you find stressful in your life and divide them into these two categories so that you can concentrate your efforts in areas where they are most likely to achieve results," suggests the AIS. "Don't waste your time and energy in a frustrating attempt to influence things you can't possibly change."

The institute adds that if something that bothers you seems beyond your control, learn to avoid or accept it. "If there is something you can do, do it - instead of complaining, worrying, and suffering needlessly," advise the experts.

The AIS says the most important thing that you can learn about stress is to recognize that often it is not external events that are stressful, but rather how you perceive them. The institute adds that learning to say "No" when necessary is one way to avoid feeling stressed out.

"It's just not possible to always please everybody," notes the site. "No one will respect you unless you respect yourself and your personal time."

When it comes to managing stress, there is no "one size fits all," says the AIS. While things like meditation, muscular relaxation, aerobic exercises, jogging, yoga, and sport can be very effective, you'll have to experiment to find what works for you.

51% of people polled by the American Institute of Stress said they prayed in private as a way to manage stress. 24% admitted to playing online games as a stress-buster. 22% turned to sports, and 18% prefer some retail therapy as a good pick-me-up.

It often helps to let sh*t slide. Ask yourself, "Will this matter five years from now?" If not, don't beat yourself up about it or let it get to you too much.

Of course, we are still going to have moments where stress takes over. And there are some simple things you can try on the spot to help you calm down.

"Curl your toes against the soles of your feet as hard as you can for 15 seconds, then relax. Next progressively tense and relax your leg, stomach, back, shoulder, and neck muscles in the same fashion," suggests the AIS.

You could also listen to music that helps you relax and lift your mood. Or, if possible, you can go for a brisk ten-minute walk to clear your mind.

Deep breathing is another option. "Try to relax as much as possible in a comfortable, quiet environment with your eyes closed," suggests the institute. "Breathe quietly in a slow rhythmic fashion. With each exhalation, repeat a simple word or sound softly or even silently."

What if you can't close your eyes during a stressful moment? The AIS suggests picking a spot about 10 feet away to look at, and letting it go slightly out of focus.

"Say the following phrases to yourself: 'My arms are heavy and relaxed.' As you say this relax your arms and shoulders as much as possible, wait until you feel the tension leave. 'My legs are heavy and relaxed.' As you say this relax your arms and shoulders as much as possible, wait until you feel the tension leave. 'My mind is calm and quiet.' Try to rest your mind, imagine a quiet pool with no thoughts rippling to the surface," advises the AIS site, adding that you should repeat these two or three times until you feel notably relaxed.

You can also try visualizing that you are on a beach, listening to the waves coming in and feeling the warm sun on your back. "Try to make the sounds and sensations as vivid as possible," suggests the site. "Concentrate on the pleasure and peaceful reaction it induces."

Of course, it doesn’t have to be a beach. Pick any place that relaxes you, but make sure to include all of the sensuous details.

Most importantly, always make time for yourself. "Satisfy your personal needs. Make it a point to take 30 minutes a day to do whatever you want - including nothing at all," the institute advises. "Pampering yourself is a powerful stress reliever."

And if you're feeling so stressed that you just can't cope with life, never be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional for help!