If you’re a young adult, chances are you’re no stranger to stress. Between navigating life transitions, building a career, managing relationships and finances, and just trying to figure out this whole “adulting” thing, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it control you. Chronic, unmanaged stress can lead to serious mental and physical health issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

The good news is, there are plenty of tools and techniques you can use to keep stress in check and maintain your sanity. Here are 10 tips to help young adults manage stress and thrive:

1. Practice mindfulness
   Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. Simple techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and body scans can help you become more aware, focused, and calm amidst the chaos of everyday stresses.
2. Get moving
   Exercise is one of the most effective stress relievers out there. When you work out, your body releases endorphins (your brain’s feel-good chemicals) which can improve your mood and sense of well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes per day, even if it’s just a brisk walk.
3. Prioritize self-care
   Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and taking regular breaks to recharge mentally and physically. Little acts of self-care like reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time outdoors can go a long way in managing stress levels.
4. Connect with others
   We all need a strong support system to lean on. Spend time with positive people who enrich your life—whether friends, family members, or communities you’re passionate about. Having an outlet to share your thoughts and feelings is crucial.
5. Set boundaries
   If you’re a people pleaser who has a hard time saying “no,” you might struggle with taking on more than you can handle. Learning to set healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life can prevent burnout.
6. Make a schedule
   Having too much (or too little) structure in your life can lead to stress. Keep yourself organized by using a calendar or planner to lay out your days, weeks, and months ahead of time. Build in plenty of wiggle room for flexibility.
7. Identify stressors
   What causes you the most stress and anxiety? Is it looming deadlines, financial worries, conflicts with others? Once you pinpoint your main stressors, you can better devise strategies to prevent them or cope when they arise.
8. Accept what you can’t control
   Many sources of stress stem from factors that are simply out of our control. When you bump up against struggles you can’t avoid, practice letting go. Focus your energy on situations you can positively influence.
9. Be positive
   It’s easy to slip into negative thought patterns when life gets stressful. Make a conscious effort to manage your self-talk by reframing situations in a more constructive light. Maintain a gratitude practice by noting things you’re thankful for each day.
10. Ask for help
    If you find your stress becoming unmanageable or affecting your day-to-day functioning, don’t be afraid to seek professional support. Talking to a counselor or therapist can provide invaluable guidance for developing coping tools.

Stress may be inevitable, but it doesn’t have to run your life. By prioritizing your physical and mental health through mindfulness, exercise, social support and more, you can navigate life’s inevitable stressors from a more balanced, resilient place.