How do you manage stress?

How do I manage stress? Poorly! I like to think that I’m better at it than I used to be, but since I’ll never be perfect at anything this side of heaven, sometimes I handle stress like a boss and sometimes I handle stress like a ticking time bomb about to explode. At my best I spend time with Jesus, go for a run, get fresh air… It really depends on what the stress is. If I’m stressed because I have a million and one things on my to do list then I try to prioritize and not procrastinate. If I’m stressed because I overbooked myself then I try to either see what I can take off of my plate or just power through and get ‘er done. If I’m stressed because of life circumstances, things that I have no control over, then it’s a continuous prayer and giving it to God. It’s important to remember that not all stress is bad even though the word stress comes with a negative association. If we don’t handle our stress though, it will handle us and have a negative impact on our minds and bodies over time. It is really important for me to try my best to live a balanced life, eat healthy and whole foods, move my body, get plenty of rest, and make time to do things that I enjoy whether it is reading, crafting, or writing. When I am good at creating balance, it helps me to manage my stress better.