Constant stress whether it is from sitting in traffic during your daily commute, an unhappy relationship, or workload, can have real physical effects on your mind and your body. Stress has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including mood, sleep, and appetite problems. The last year has been stressful enough so it is no surprise that many people deal with mental health issues and stress daily. I often find traffic, workload and fatigue really impacts my stress levels. Let's look at a few quick things that I do that you can try that has proven to lower stress levels.
1) Stretch/ Do Relaxation Exercises
Stretching and relaxation exercises are also known as progressive muscle relaxation where you practice tensing and then releasing each of your muscle groups. If your body is physiologically relaxed, then it can help release stress from your body. You can stretch inside or if the weather is nice you can go outside and breathe in some fresh air. Today was the first nice day in such a long time that I decided to put my mat in the sun and do some stretching. Whilst you stretch you can also try different breathing exercises which also helps to calm your mind.
2) Exercise/ Go For a Walk or Run Exercise is known to be a great stress reliever. It helps you blow off steam and releases endorphins. Take a walk, go running or hit the gym. Letting off steam via exercise will allow you to come back to a given situation with some perspective and a new frame of mind. Exercise is not only good for your mental health and stress levels but your overall health - it's a win-win!
3) Meditate The practise of inward-focused thought and deep breathing has been shown to reduce heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. Yoga can also relax the mind and body. Meditation is a great way to start the day and helps you clear your mind of things that are stressing you out. There are lots of great free meditation apps as well as heaps of amazing youtube videos you can listen to.
4) Unplug and Disconnect It's impossible to escape stress when it follows you everywhere. Cut the cord to the things that are stressing you out. Avoid emails and switch off from social media for a while. Take time each day, even if it's for just 10 or 15 minutes to escape from the world. Social media takes a huge toll on stress and mental health, taking some time out to stop scrolling can do wonders.
5) Do Something That You Enjoy Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase "good" HDL cholesterol. Watch a funny movie or tv show that you know makes you feel good! Find a hobby that you know lifts your mood and makes you feel good. Take 30 mins out to do what you love. We should do something that we enjoy every day and do something for ourselves.
These tips also help me when I feel anxious or depressed not just when I feel stressed! Stress doesn't have to ruin your life or your health. Please remember that whatever is causing you to stress it is not worth losing your happiness over. If you can change your situation to make your life less stressful and increase your overall happiness it is worth it. I hope you try some of these tips and let me know what else you do to de-stress. Thanks for reading and if you are feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to you can also contact me, I am here to help x
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