How To Stress Less

How to stress less (and other stories)

- Jessica D’Argenio Waller

In just a couple short weeks, school stress is going to roll in like a late summer thunderstorm (think: pop quizzes, piles of homework and punishing soccer practices). Now picture this: Despite the downpour, you’re nothing but breezy. It’s not magical thinking—it’s mindfulness. Research has proven that tiny moments of awareness can help retrain your brain to focus on the positive, allowing you to tap into clearer thinking, calmer vibes… and way less stress.

You know that feeling that comes over you when you step into a steamy shower and feel the hot water raining down your back? Or when you slow down to savor the last creamy bite of a slice of cheesecake? Or after you get home from a crazy day and take a few secs before hitting the books to pet your pup’s silky ears? Those are all mini moments of mindfulness. And added up, they count toward your overall sense of calm and well-being.

THE BIG PICTURE

Mindfulness is definitely having a moment, and for good reason. Studies show mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has real results—including reduced anxiety, better stress coping and improved sleep quality.

“Mindfulness is about becoming more deeply aware of the moment as it is unfolding. It’s noticing your senses, thoughts, feelings and physical sensations,” says Gina Biegel, a psychotherapist/author based in the San Francisco Bay area, and creator of Stressed Teens, a program offering MBSR training for teens.

Mindfulness allows you to be present in your life—even for the painful moments, which help you tap into and process how you’re really feeling and can change how you respond to a stressful situation.