Article: . If you are surrounded by people, it will be necessary for you to speak up in order to manage stress and overwhelm. Some introverts may be able to relate to your unique needs. However, not everyone—introverts and extroverts included—will understand how you function at your best. That’s why you have to tell them. If a parent, coworker, or friend is overwhelming you or making your stress worse, say “I really need to be alone right now so I can think” or “I’d appreciate it if you gave me some time to collect my thoughts.” It’s a good idea to have a handful of places you can go to in a pinch. For example, at work you might go outside, to a bathroom, or into an empty office. When you start feeling stressed out, get some distance from your usual environment and the people in it that may be contributing to your stress.  If you are at work or school, go in an empty office or class room, plug in your headphone and do some  deep breathing exercises. If you are at home, you sanctuary may be in your bed or snuggled up on the couch with your dog. Retreat to this place for a short while and recharge. or the internet. In the age of technology, everyone is connected around the clock. If this nonstop connection of emails, app notifications, and social media friend requests is contributing to your stress, take a break from it for a few hours or a few days. There are a host of benefits that come with unplugging from technology.  These benefits include getting better sleep, feeling more present in the moment, reducing pain symptoms, increasing productivity, and improving memory retention and mood.  If you've never unplugged before, simply choose a full day or a few hours to do it. Let's say you start on Saturday at 8pm and unplug until Sunday at 8pm. Let friends and family know what you are doing in advance so that they don't worry when you don't answer calls or texts. Get away with just your thoughts by escaping into the natural world. Being outdoors can provide much-needed healing and quiet from the over-stimulation you may receive in the modern world. Go for a hike. Sit out near the lake. Take your dog walking around the neighborhood for some fresh air. Research shows that your mood is significantly benefited by spending time in nature. Studies have shown that people who are depressed, stressed, or anxious transform into states of calm and balance after regularly being in natural environments. So, maximize from these benefits by scheduling in a weekly nature break to fend off stress before it gets out of control. Are you suffering from chronic stress and could really use an extended period to rest and rejuvenate? Get some R&R by traveling on your own. If you enjoy going to new places and experiencing new environments, you will likely feel replenished by getting away from it all and going on a solo adventure.  Book a flight to a faraway destination that you’ve always wanted to go to but didn’t because friends or family weren’t interested. Or, gas up your vehicle and go on a road trip to see various major landmarks. Just be sure to use safe practices when traveling alone, such as not venturing too far away from your hotel at night, not exposing your cash, and listening to your gut when someone makes you uncomfortable. Millions of people travel the world alone each year—so can you!
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Be assertive Locate a place that makes you feel safe and at peace. Unplug from your phone Take a walk in nature. Go on a solo vacation.