6 Ways to Manage Stress
Everybody experiences moments of stress. However, that does not mean that you have to accept defeat. Managing pent-up stress and anxiety is crucial to living your happiest, healthiest life. If you are ready to kick stress to the curb, here are a few tips and tricks to get you back to living your happiest, healthiest life.
Take Care of Your Body
Your physical and mental health depend on each other to be the best they can be. That is precisely why taking care of your physical health is a key factor in living your best life. Some key habits to introduce to your routine include:
- Making the time to exercise. Exercise has been found to help relieve stress. So go for a walk, lift some weights, attend a dance class, or follow along to a workout video from home.
- Eating enough nutritious food. Your brain needs the proper fuel to maintain resilience against stress. Be mindful of the foods you eat and put in the effort to eat enough to fuel your mind and body properly.
- Getting enough sleep. Time and time again, studies have shown that those who do not get enough high-quality sleep feel more stressed and anxious than those who do. That is why it is so important to prioritize a good night’s rest.
- Getting outside. Time spent in nature has been suggested to offer a ton of mental and physical health benefits- including relief from stress and anxiety .
- Cutting back on food and drinks that may be adding to your stress, like alcohol and caffeine.
Make Time for the Things You Enjoy
Filling your life to the brim with meetings, work, and appointments will deteriorate your happiness, ultimately leaving you stressed and anxious. You must make time for the things that bring you joy.
This means:
- saying no when you are overwhelmed with your to-do list and calendar
- setting clear boundaries to create a healthy work-life balance
- making time for the people and hobbies you love
Leisure time is a critical aspect of thriving mental health and should be prioritized to reduce and build resilience against stress.
Get Organized
When you are disorganized, your life can feel like one big, chaotic stress ball. Planning your days, decluttering your space, and avoiding procrastination may be just what you need to finally kick that stress you’ve been struggling with for far too long.
Observe Your Thought Processes
Stress can often come from moments we worry about something that may never even happen. Understanding the thoughts that are causing you to catastrophize and stress about your worries will prove immensely beneficial in helping you combat them. A few ways you can become more aware of these thought processes are by:
- Practicing mindfulness techniques- like yoga and meditation
- Journaling
- Taking a walk
- Talking it out
Talk to a Therapist
It is crucial to remember that you do not have to struggle with your stress alone. If these feelings are beginning to take a toll on your quality of life, it may be time to consider finding a therapist to help you. In therapy, you will learn to catch the thoughts causing stress, understand why you are feeling this way, and learn coping mechanisms to help you get through life’s stressful moments.
References: