Stressed? Anxious? Here are resources to help

Occasional feelings of stress and anxiety are inevitable, but lately, it may seem like these unwanted feelings are surfacing more frequently. The world is in a pretty stressful state right now, but it's important to stay tuned-in to your emotions and know when to step aside and allow time for relaxation and decompression. Here are a handful of low-cost/free resources that can help you manage stress and overcome unwelcome emotions.

Relaxation and meditation

Practicing meditation techniques can help manage feelings of stress by producing a state of relaxation and tranquility. I just started trying deep breathing exercises myself, and you’d be surprised at how much they help!

• Buddhify is a unique mediation app that is designed to fit into busy schedules. The app focuses on all styles of meditation, including traditional, mobile, and on-the-go meditation practices.

• WoeBot is an online chatbot that takes you through basic relaxation and cognitive therapy techniques.

• Simple Habit is offering free premium memberships to help with meditation and breathing techniques.

• Headspace is offering free access to all K-12 teachers, school administrators, and supporting staff as well as health care professionals. They have also created a collection of content called Weathering the Storm is also available free to everyone.

Health and wellness

Believe it or not, physical health plays a big part in mental health! When your body is performing well, your mind will too. Regular exercise can greatly improve feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.

• Yoga with Adriene is a wonderful place for anyone looking to practice yoga, regardless of your skillset! Beginners and advanced yogis are encouraged to check out her videos!

• HASfit is a YouTube channel that focuses on HIIT workouts to get the blood flowing and sweat dripping!

• Move with Colour is an online dance platform for those who want a more fun and energetic workout!

• Fitness Blender provides free full-length workout videos, various exercise routines, healthy recipe ideas, and more.

• BetterUp has posted free workouts and articles to help relieve stress and anxiety.

Mental health resources

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Talking through emotions can help you find clarity and improve your overall mood.

• Talkspace is offering a free 7-day trial. You can connect with licensed therapists and gain access to free mental health resources. Once you’re matched to a compatible therapist, you continue working with that same therapist throughout treatment (unless you request a change.)

• 7 Cups embraces a peer support style of therapy; you can foster anonymous and confidential conversations with active listeners to share advice and words of comfort. There are also scheduled support sessions and chat rooms that address specific issues and there are forums/chats designed specifically for teens.

• Better Help is a great site that connects you with licensed therapists who can help you through a wonderful live chat service. Users are matched with mental health professionals based on the results of an anonymous assessment, ensuring you and your therapist are a great fit.

• Pride Counseling offers online therapy to individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. The counselors on Pride Counseling are licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, or professional counselors (all with either a master’s or doctoral degree) AND they are all specialists in the LGBTQ community.

Have you been coping with feelings of stress lately? How are YOU coping? Share your thoughts below.