Have you ever been so stressed and had no way to relieve the pent-up energy that seems to be boiling over in your head? No worries! There are plenty of ways to release this energy without stressing yourself out, breaking out, creating wrinkles, or lashing out.

First, stop what you’re doing and take a moment to close your eyes and breathe. Take a deep breath and release them for about a minute. Think about something that relaxes you like food or your favorite sleep position. This is a momentary pause, or, in lace meditation. It helps me when I start letting my mind wander to unhealthy places.

If being quiet and patient isn’t your forte, then maybe you are more of the type to run around. When I get stressed and want to productively put my mind at ease, I go to the gym and run around for a little bit. Sometimes, if this isn’t enough, then I’ll take a cardio kickboxing class for those exam-time worries. If you aren’t the type to be as aggressively active, a yoga class or a jog can be just as effective.

Some people appeal more to writing their thoughts down. Keeping a journal or a diary can help you mentally vent. In specific occasions, writing a letter to a specific person can help you directly address the root of the issue. In these cases, people who enjoy journaling typically also enjoy adult coloring books, which have been proven to be a personal form of therapy for those with more intricate minds and thoughts.

For the more mentally active, or those with very strong impulses, directing your impulses towards productive time management can do nothing but benefit you. Direct that energy and free time towards cleaning and organizing your life and space; who doesn’t love to come home to clean sheets and a fresh smelling room? Rewrite your schedule for the week, replacing unnecessary or negative uses of your time with positive activities or some simple downtime (for that much-needed nap). And, if you have access to a kitchen and cooking supplies, baking pastries or cooking dinner can feel refreshingly homey.

If that downtime turns into a social media blow-over, grab a face mask, your favorite relaxing playlist, and some relaxing scented oils and take a steaming hot bath or shower. No phones, just steam and soothing tunes! Hot, moist air helps you sweat, makes you tired, and soon a long nap should ensue.

If none of these methods work for your stress on the go, maybe it’s time for a vacation! Start planning a getaway week or weekend for you (and maybe someone special) to a place that you know you’ll enjoy. Get away from the everyday struggles to a place where the only question you should be asking yourself is “Which desert sounds better? Heck, I’ll try them both!” Life is too short to be using your emotional time and energy on things that either make you tired, make you irritable, or don’t make you happy. :)