We all experience stress, but we don’t always recognize it for what it is. There are healthy ways to deal with stress, but if you feel overwhelmed the consequences can be serious. This is especially true for the “emotional” type of stress which can lead to health problems.
Here are 11 ways to help you manage your stress.
1. Exercise
Regular exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress. It has many benefits and helps to strengthen your immune system and increase energy levels. Some experts say that a 30-minute walk 3 times per week is enough to significantly reduce stress.
Other forms of exercise include dancing, swimming, jogging, biking, or playing a sport.
2. Sleep
Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing stress. The average person needs 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found people who slept 5 hours or less per night had a 65% higher risk of death from any cause compared to those who got 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation causes increased stress and anxiety, and this can lead to other physical ailments as well as stress, such as headaches, depression, and fatigue.
If you want to improve your sleep, you should look to cover your windows with XL blinds from DotcomBlinds made from a blackout material, this will make your bedroom much darker and make it easier for you to fall asleep.
3. Nutrition
Make sure you are getting adequate nutrition. Eat foods that are high in B-complex vitamins, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and selenium. These are all essential for good health and for relieving stress.
You should also complement this with regular visits with a physician and a dentist. If you’re currently looking for a reliable dental expert, you can check out this one that offers teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants in Ballantyne.
4. Relaxation
If you don’t relax enough, you can end up feeling stressed instead of relaxed. Try meditation or yoga.
5. Use a Stress Ball
Rub your hands on the ball to help relieve stress.
6. Stay Connected
This may seem obvious, but keep in mind that your social network can be important in helping you deal with stress. People who tend to overwork have difficulty staying connected with their families and friends. Find ways to stay connected.
7. Get Professional Help
If you feel overwhelmed by stress and your stress is having a negative impact on your daily life, you need to talk to your physician or therapist about your situation.
8. Plan Ahead
If you are feeling stressed, try to anticipate what might happen next. This may give you an idea of the best way to deal with it. For example, if you know you are going to be late for work, you may want to call and explain your situation.
9. Make a List
If you feel overwhelmed, writing down all the things you need to do will help you get them done. You might even find that doing one small task at a time will give you more energy to accomplish other tasks. If you think your stress levels are high, talk to your doctor or therapist about how to cope with it.
10. Spend Time with Others
Spend some time with your family and friends.
11. Meditate
You don’t have to be a monk to meditate. You can do it for 10 minutes at a time. Find a quiet place and focus on your breathing, relax your body and count backward from 20, repeat a phrase or mantra, or do any other calming activity you find effective.