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Tips to reduce stress in your life

Stress is a normal part of life. We all experience it in different ways, for different reasons. Learning how to reduce stress or cope with stress can help you protect your health. 

tips to reduce stress in your lifeWhat is stress and anxiety?

Stress is our response to external events, like an argument or a high-pressure situation. Stress usually goes away once the situation causing it is over. Anxiety is your body’s reaction to stress. It usually involves a feeling of worry or dread that does not go away. Both stress and anxiety can impact your mental and physical health.

What can I do to cope with stress?

Learning what causes or triggers your stress and using coping skills to help reduce those feelings can help improve your wellbeing.

Here are some ideas to help you cope with stress:

  1. Exercise regularly. It can help boost your mood and improve your health. Aim for at least 30 minutes, five days a week (150 minutes).
  2. Take breaks from social media and the news. Use the time to unplug and do things you enjoy.
  3. Take care of your body. Eat well-balanced meals, get regular sleep and limit caffeine and alcohol.
  4. Learn new ways to help you find calm, such as meditation, muscle relaxation or breathing exercises. Set aside time daily to practice.
  5. Try a new hobby. Journaling, reading, gardening or learning a new language can be therapeutic and relieve stress. Try a few hobbies until you find one you like.
  6. Notice negative thoughts and challenge them. Try to be optimistic. But don’t brush your feelings under the rug. Sometimes noticing your emotions can help you better understand them.

When you should seek help

If you are struggling to cope with stress and anxiety, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you find resources and treatment options or refer you to a mental health provider.

If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can find one using our Find Care tool on the member website and in the Blue Cross of Idaho member app. Make sure to log in when searching for a provider so that you only see those who are in your network.

Helpful resources

If you or someone you know are struggling with chronic stress, mental illness or a substance use disorder, here are some resources that can help you get support:

Download the Blue Cross of Idaho member app

Get all the important features you need for on-the-go care with our member app. In the member app, you can search for a provider or facility, view and send your member ID card, view your claims and more. Download the member app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Written by: Blue Cross of Idaho
Posted: May 10, 2023
Updated: April 6, 2026