Stress can bring about a wide range of negative emotions and even health risks if you let it overtake you. Believe it or not, you have the power to control your stress level and can change how you feel in a moment’s notice. The critical first step is realizing that you are in charge! Consider utilizing these six different mind hacks to help keep you at ease during a stressful day.

Direct Your Life’s Movie

stressTry imagining yourself as the director of your own life’s movie. Did you spill coffee on your white shirt on your drive to a job interview? Notice a hint of stretch marks before your blind date at the beach? Instead of letting emotions overtake you or acting prematurely, think how the situation would play out from a humorous point of view starring your favorite comedian. Visualizing your stressful moments in this manner can help you stay in control.

Change up Your Labels

Once stressful situations occur, there is no way to change the past. Instead of labeling something as upsetting or stressful, step back and think about how grim the situation actually is. Most of the time, your mind is making things seem much worse than they are. It is essential to keep in mind that a majority of your stressful situations can actually be looked at as life lessons for the future, and it is up to you whether to label a situation as helpful or hurtful.

Switch Your Environment

Many of the stressful moments are closely related to the environment you are in. To help you feel less upset about a certain situation, consider changing the scenery; whether you are feeling fatigued at the office or angry at home, take a 5-minute walk to collect your thoughts and recharge your mind.

Visualize a Positive Situation

When you cannot change your environment or mood, try using your imagination and happy memories. Aim to visualize a less stressful, or even relaxing situation. Imagining a different scenario helps to shift your perception from negative to positive.

Write out Your Problems

Writing is a fantastic way to get rid of stressful emotions. Take 5 to 10 minutes, and write without stopping. As you are writing, detail exactly how you are feeling, and see where things go. Oftentimes, just releasing all of your stressful emotions can make you feel much better. After you are finished, simply throw away the piece of paper as you visualize getting rid of all the built up stress.

Think of What Is Valuable in Your Life

Take a piece of paper, and write down five of the most valuable things that happened to you that day. Keep the list nearby, either on your desk or in your pocket, and look at it every time you feel upset. It may help you realize that what you are stressing over is not as big of a deal as you may have thought initially.