35 ways to relieve stress, according to Linktree employees

For International Stress Awareness Week, the Linktree fam shares the healthy ways they manage stress—so you can too!

Considering the state of the world for the past two-plus years, it’s no wonder we’re all so stressed. In March 2021, the American Psychological Association (APA) “Stress in America” report found that 62% of Americans coping with pandemic stress resulted in unhealthy weight gain, excessive drinking, and poor mental health. Similarly, October 2021 data from the APA found that younger demographics may be disproportionately affected, with 79% of Gen Z adults and 74% of millennials experiencing behavior changes from stress.

Besides the pandemic at play, the Global Organization for Stress reports that 80% of people feel stress at work. That's why we decided to chat with our Linktree fam about the different ways they cope with stress.

With this year's International Stress Awareness Week focusing on emotional management, we asked Linktree employees how they manage their tensest moments, plus the tools and techniques they've learned that could help others keep calm and carry on.

Tess Drobik, Marketing Specialist

What do you do to de-stress? My ideal de-stress recipe includes a dose of morning yoga, daily meditation, sunny walks, a nice hot cuppa [tea], good book and an epsom salt bath.

Best tip to help others de-stress: Zoom out and put everything in perspective, this can help make the stressful situation feel less daunting. Stepping away, whether it's a walk, a chat with a friend, podcast, or picking up a book are always go-tos to de-stress.

Favorite tool for stress relief: We're lucky here at Linktree to get [free] access to Headspace, that alongside a pot of Sencha tea helps bring some zen in this crazy world.

Clem Lévecque, Data Scientist

Best tip to help others de-stress: Call one person who makes you feel better and ask them to take you on a walk, change your mind, or talk to you about something else than what makes you feel stressed.

Favorite tool for stress relief: Any skincare product. Forcing yourself to spend five minutes morning and evening to take care of yourself [with] no phone [and] no one else around is such a game-changer.

Anything else you'd like to add? Stress is different from anxiety. Anxiety is not something everyone experiences or should experience. If you start feeling anxious, it might be worth seeking professional help. Stress can be good too, it can be motivating as long as it doesn't turn into anxiety. But anyhow, you got this friend.

Abby Olorunnife, Support Communications Specialist

What do you do to de-stress? I find going to the gym to be a bit tedious, so instead, I like to go for a bike ride around my neighborhood/bike trails and get some fresh air to clear my head. Sometimes I stop by a little gelato shop and get myself a treat. I also like to take a nice bubble bath, drop a bath bomb in, put on some Enya and soak in its glory.

Best tip to help others de-stress: The power of music. Listening to music can have a positive impact on your mood and emotions. It's really nice to just sit and listen to some of your favorite tunes.

Favorite tool for stress relief: Spotify (or any other music streaming platforms) offers great soothing instrumentals to help alleviate stress.

Hannah Douglas, Growth Lead

What do you do to de-stress? Take a walk, even if it's just five minutes. There's no point sitting at your desk stressed. You get nothing done. So you may as well be productive, go for a walk to clear your head, and get you closer to being productive at work!

Favorite technique for stress relief:Box breathing. Breathe in for four [seconds], hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four [and] repeat five times.

Cam Mackinnon, Customer Support Manager

What do you do to de-stress?

• I play basketball (or some kind of physical exercise).
• Step away from the stressful situation (if I can) and focus on my breathing for three to five minutes.
• Write down my thoughts in my journal; this helps me make sense of my emotions.
• Socialize with friends.
• Read a book or watch TV—something to keep my mind occupied on one thing.

Best tip to help others de-stress: Find the things that make you happy or something that can take your mind off the world. Once you figure them out, find ways to implement them into your daily or weekly routine. Make time for yourself as much as you can, and don't overwork yourself!

Favorite tool for stress relief: Any meditation app (I use Smiling Mind). Lumosity and Figment (brain training and drawing exercises!).

Sammy Kaufman, Music Lead

What do you do to de-stress? 3pm walks (aka get some fresh air).

Best tip to help others de-stress: Walks! Or working out. If I start my day with a workout I feel productive at the very start which helps decrease my stress levels.

Daniel Harris, Sr. Product Marketing Manager

What do you do to de-stress? Take a deep breath in, exhale slowly, do this 10 times. At least six-second inhale and exhale each time; you will be amazed at what it can do for you.

Best tip to help others de-stress: Prioritize your to-do list on the most impactful and time-sensitive things to not overwhelm yourself by everything you "could" be doing. Communicate (this is massively important) early and often what you're focusing on so you don't have pressure from people expecting something you actually don't have time for and aren't working on. Maybe they can even help, maybe they'll adjust the deadline, you won't know unless you communicate.

Tannie Low, Design Ops Manager

What do you do to de-stress? Cook food, or watch trash television!

Best tip to help others de-stress: Breathing exercises are surprisingly effective for calming the mind.

Favorite tool for stress relief: My Thera Cane is my favorite tool when I'm between the keyboard and couch.

Ashley Lam, ​​Social Media Manager

What do you do to de-stress? Unplug from social media! I know it's a bit ironic, especially given my role is to manage our social media channels. But after being on the platforms for the majority of my day, there's nothing I want more than a mini digital detox. I'll do other activities that keep me present in the moment—such as grabbing dinner with a friend and setting my phone upside down on the table so that I don't get distracted by notifications. Or doing a workout with my phone charging far away from my visibility.

Best tip to help others de-stress: If you're able to, take a moment to step away from the situation and clear your head. While it might not seem like it initially, there's likely a solution for the scenario that is bringing you stress. It's just so hard to think of one when your mind is spinning in so many directions and you're completely flustered. Give yourself some grace with time. Take a break, do a completely different activity, or even sleep on it. Then when you're ready, you can come back to the situation with a clear thought, question, plan, or next step.

Anything else you'd like to add? Oftentimes, people won't realize you're going through something unless you tell them. Don't be afraid to be open about the weight you're carrying—you never know who can help!

This year for Stress Awareness Week, take a moment to reflect on how you can embed stress-reducing practices into your everyday life. From taking a moment to call a friend, making a hot cup of tea, or writing daily in a journal, find what works best for you—your mind and body will thank you for it.