Secret Stress Busters of The Stars

The Trick: Singer and actor Harry Styles is such a fan of meditation that he’s even narrated a meditation app. He’s said that the practice helps him worry less about the past and the future. 

Why It Works: “Meditation improves your focus and relaxes your body at the same time—and you can do it anytime, anywhere,” explains psychiatrist Dr. Gene Beresin. In fact, research has found that teens who meditate have lower levels of anxiety and stress. They also have improved attention and academic performance. 

Use It: Beresin recommends practicing this short meditation exercise. It will work anywhere you can sit or lie comfortably. First, close your eyes and focus on your breath, following your inhales and exhales. Next, picture a place where you feel happy and relaxed. Maybe that’s the beach or a comfy beanbag chair. Notice every detail around you: the cool spray coming off the waves, or the feeling of your beanbag’s fabric against your arms. Continue until you feel relaxed. 

The Trick: When singer and actress Selena Gomez feels overwhelmed, she takes a break from stressful things like social media. 

Why It Works: You can’t eliminate all stress, but you can reduce the number of activities in your life. Cutting back on optional activities can prevent you from feeling burned out by too many responsibilities. 

Use It: The next time you’re frazzled, think about what activities you can pause. For example, you need to do your homework, but you don’t need to spend hours on social media each day. (This is especially true if your feed is making you feel anxious.) Or if your busy extracurricular schedule is causing sleepless nights, it might be worth having a conversation with your parents and counselor about stepping back from one of these activities.

The Trick: Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James uses visualization to reduce pre-game jitters.

Why It Works: When you imagine your ideal outcome—whether that’s dunking the winning basket or breezing through a test—you train your brain to pull it off. “Mental practice stimulates the same parts of the brain as real-life practice,” says psychologist Linda Olszewski. “The more you practice something, the better you get.” Picturing a positive outcome can help cut down on stress so you feel relaxed and confident, which in turn can help you do your best. 

Use It: The night before a big game or test, close your eyes and imagine a flawless performance. Walk yourself through each step, such as tying your shoes or taking your pencil out of your backpack, all the way through celebrating your victory with your team or turning in your test.

The Trick: Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles writes in her journal to deal with stress while she goes for the gold.

Why It Works: “Journaling allows you to release emotions,” says Beresin. Research shows that people who journal for 15 minutes twice a week have less anxiety. Journaling is a great way to sort through problems and process negative thoughts and emotions. Think of it as a therapy session with yourself.

Use It: The beauty of journaling is that there’s no wrong or right way to do it. Just start writing! If you’re unsure what to write about, try composing a letter to yourself about how your day went. You can also use the Notes app on your phone. 

The Trick: To ensure her epic concerts on the Eras Tour went smoothly, Taylor Swift practiced for three months. She said that giving herself enough time to prepare helped her feel relaxed on stage. 

Why It Works: One of the best ways to reduce stress about an upcoming algebra exam or orchestra audition is to be prepared. “It makes you feel more confident and competent,” says Beresin. 

Use It: Don’t stay up all night cramming before the big test or audition. Instead, give yourself enough time to do several short sessions of studying or rehearsing. For example, if your exam covers the first five chapters of your textbook, you could study one chapter a night for five nights.