By Marian Hall // Lifestyle // EEW Magazine Online

These days it seems that everywhere you look, there is stressful news, tragedy unfolding, and tough circumstances to deal with.

Though life is not easy, and God never promised it would be, there are tried and true ways to release stress and protect your joy. EEW Magazine Online is giving you 7 of the best!

#1 Pray before you start the day. When you wake up in the morning, is your first instinct to reach for your phone, computer, or to hit the floor running? Before you do any of that, pray. It doesn’t have to be a long, drawn out, fancy prayer. Just give your day to the Lord and ask Him to be with you. Allow yourself those few uninterrupted moments to really set the tone for the rest of your day.

#2 Notice your feelings. Many people ignore their feelings regularly. But our feelings send us important signals and indicators. Are you sad? Frustrated? Irritable? Observe what body parts feel achy or if your stomach is unsettled. By not stuffing your feelings down and intentionally taking time to notice them, you can do a better job of addressing what you need and get back to feeling better quicker.

#3 Find a healthy outlet. What do you need to do in order to release pent up emotions? What makes you feel heard, seen, and supported? Do these things. If you need some suggestions, try journaling, exercising, confiding in a trusted source, or even cry it out for a moment. Emotions need release.

#4 Do what brings you joy. There is no way to avoid trauma, negative events, and life’s stresses. But you can still do things that fill you up to the brim with joy. It may be as simple as listening to your favorite music or finding a few moments to be alone. Take a hot bubble bath or sip on a tall glass of sparkling cider. Tap into your passions and do at least one thing daily that makes you feel alive.

#5 Connect with those who get you. It feels wonderful to be connected to those with whom you can fully be yourself without judgment. They understand you, care about you, and simply get you. Toxic relationships, on the other hand, are draining and deflating. Make sure your village, however small or large, is filled with friends and loved ones that give you space to show up as your authentic self.

#6 Talk to a therapist. Therapy is a blessing and a great way to release buried emotions. Even if you are not extremely stressed or in crisis, a clinical psychologist can help you process your feelings, overcome deep-rooted trauma, and give you tools to be more productive and emotionally healthy. God often works through mental health professionals. Be open to this method of stress-release and joy-finding.

#7 Take a break. Unplug. Disconnect from social media. Turn off the news. Get still. Take a personal day. Rest, even if you don’t feel like sleeping. The benefits of slowing down and stealing away are priceless. Even Jesus did this and He is the son of God!

You are not superhuman. You are not made of steel. You are not able to go, go, go around the clock without burning out. Everyone needs a way to relieve stress and tap into joy.

Do these 7 things to improve the quality of your life.