When you’re stressed, your mood, energy levels, productivity, skin health (and just about everything else) take a hit. While it’s impossible to avoid stress entirely, there are ways you can learn to manage it and reclaim your vibrancy, health, and passion.

Of course, some days, you just need a pick-me-up. If today is one of them, read on to discover five healthy ways to get a grip, dust yourself off, and take on the day like the boss babe you are.

1. Focus on your breathing

When under stress, your breathing tends to become shallow, rapid, and erratic. Breathing exercises can help to lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate, and release tension in the abdomen, which has been proven to reduce stress and benefit your mental state. Increased oxygen levels may also help to brighten your complexion, giving you a huge dose of benefits in just a few simple breaths. There are a number of breathing techniques to choose from, each with unique mental and physical benefits, and this practice can easily be integrated into your day whenever you may need it.

2. Get a confidence boost

When you’re feeling tired, stressed, and overwhelmed, a nourishing skincare routine and a good mascara can go a long way in giving you the confidence you need to take on the day. Banish dark circles under the eyes with the Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer, and bring some color back to your face with a highlighter bronzer blush such as the Trip for Two Blush and Bronzer Duo. The best bronzer and blush makeup can help you create a bright, healthy appearance, even when you may be dealing with dull, dehydrated skin due to too much caffeine and not enough sleep. While we wholeheartedly advocate a healthy diet and plenty of beauty sleep, we know that some days, you just have to fake it.<product>1,2</product>

3. Trade the chocolate for a workout

We’re not saying don’t have the chocolate (we all know it’s good for the soul), but overindulging in anything from coffee to Netflix, as tempting as it may be when you’re not having a good day, only ever makes you feel worse.

Instead, put on some workout leggings and go for a walk, do an online yoga class, or attend a SoulCycle session and sweat some of that stress out! According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise has been proven to reduce the negative effects of stress, improve your mood, and release feel-good endorphins. In fact, psychologists have found that just a 10-minute walk is as effective at relieving anxiety as a 45-minute aerobic workout!

As an added bonus, exercise also increases blood circulation and lymphatic flow, which can reduce under-eye puffiness and boost your natural radiance. Of course, if you really don’t have time for a workout, you could always reach for Wanderess™ Glow, a silky highlighter packed with plant-derived nutrients for an instant glow.<product>3</product>

4. Talk to a Friend

As it turns out, your friends aren’t just funny, compassionate, and supportive; they happen to be human-sized stress busters too! Studies have shown that time spent with friends and loved ones can improve your mood, boost mental agility, and lower cortisol levels. A five-minute phone call or a quick coffee with a friend may be exactly what you need when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Be sure to pack our award-winning On the Glow Blush and Illuminator into your purse for a more radiant complexion wherever you wander.<product>4</product>

5. Take some ‘me’ time

With a seemingly endless to-do list and a steady flow of emails and messages, taking a few minutes out of your day for yourself may be the last thing on your mind. What’s important to remember, however, is that self-care is even more necessary when you’re stressed. Whether that’s applying a Baggage Claim Eye Mask after a long day, or taking your lunch break away from work, “me” time is essential to regulate your stress levels and return to your daily activities with a clear mind and renewed energy.<product>5</product>

Wander Beauty gives you one less thing to stress about