I’ll be the first to admit that life can be overwhelming at times. Working full-time, shuffling through my kids and grandkids’ crazy schedules, managing my business as an entrepreneur, and trying to make a little bit of me time whenever I can, often leads to me feeling worn out and stressed. Like me, many people experience these negative feelings whenever they feel overloaded by the demands in their lives. And while we may not be able to control all of the factors that are causing stress in our lives, there are a few things we can do to take the edge off our stressors so we can feel less overwhelmed and increase our happiness levels.

Focus on things that bring joy to your life. Whenever I get stressed out to the max, I like to make a list of things that make me happy. They can be anything – from watching sunsets to kissing your significant others, no thing is too small. Keep this list somewhere that you can look back at and remind yourself that there are lots of things in this world that make you happy even through the turmoil.

Get a nature fix. Take a walk, go fishing, or sit outside and stare of a view of trees or greenery. Studies prove that the power of nature is that it not only elicits joy, it also reduces stress.

Stay connected. It may be tempting to shut down and cut off all communication whenever you feel overwhelmed, but it’s actually beneficial to keep in touch with positive and supportive people. These relationships can make our “wins” easier to celebrate and can buffer us against stress when we face inevitable challenges.

Play a game. Playing board games really helps me take my mind off what’s bothering me, even if it’s for only a few moments. After playing, I feel refreshed and restored and am better equipped to handle things that life throws my way.

Get help if you need it. Can you delegate some of your responsibilities? Can you ask for additional support from friends and family? Remember, there are people who can help – you may just need to ask for it.