Stress is a natural reaction when faced with certain experiences and situations that are either good or bad. Most of the time, stress affects us further when we are approached with difficulties in life, like pressure from having overwhelming responsibilities with our families and work, as well as emotional problems.
It is important to realize that stress factors differ from one individual to another. Some people might not feel stressed in their personal lives but could have a hard time at the office, some people might get stressed due to financial issues but can perform well at school—some people even get stressed just by doing the groceries!
Too much stress is dangerous because it can lead to harmful effects on your mind and body, such as mental disorders, insomnia, fatigue, and even health issues.
While stress can enable us to keep up with life’s demands as well as respond to possible threats, it is best to manage it properly. Here are some solutions on how to maintain your stress at a healthy level
Note that some of these tips might be effective for others but not for you. The best thing to do is to experiment and figure out which ones work for you.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress since it lowers your stress hormones such as adrenaline as well as cortisol, while releasing your happy hormones called endorphins. It also helps you stay physically fit and sleep properly.
Try walking or jogging outside. You can also save workout guides on Pinterest, watch workout videos on Youtube, or learn the choreography of your favorite song and dance to it.
Meditate
Meditating for even just five to 30 minutes can help decrease your anxiety. It may sound like short-term relief, but continuous and daily meditation can improve your body performance as well as improve your mental state.
By meditating, you forget everything that is happening all around you and focus on silence and peaceful thoughts, relaxing your brain as well as calming your nerves.
Meditation is best done in a quiet place where no external factor would be able to distract you. This can be done in your garden or even just inside your room.
Sign Up for Yoga Classes
Yoga is a form of exercise that combines a physical workout, meditation, and breathing exercises which is why there is no doubt that it is one of the best methods to relieve stress. It does not only keep you physically fit and active, but it also enhances your mental health.
Sign up for a beginner’s yoga class to learn the ropes. Once you’re more aware of the proper forms, you can continue doing yoga at home with follow-alongs on YouTube, or proceed with advanced classes at the yoga studio.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits
One of the easiest and simplest ways to combat stress is to reduce or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine intake. Although caffeine may help you stay awake during the day, drinking too much can cause anxiety. Nicotine and alcohol can relieve stress but only for a short amount of time, but drinking and smoking can be unhealthy coping mechanisms and can affect your health in the long run.
Eat Healthier
Eating a balanced diet and taking supplements regularly help in maintaining your physical and mental health. Along with exercise, these keep you from being overweight and improve your mood.
Sure, eating comfort food may help, but similar to nicotine, it is just temporary relief. It may be okay to eat ice cream, chips, and other junk food occasionally, but frequent indulging would only harm your physical health, which may result in chronic diseases that would contribute to your stress—maybe not right now, but in the future.
Relax and Enjoy Your Own Leisure Time
Most people are too occupied with their work, forgetting that their bodies have actual limitations which would result in tiredness and fatigue. The best way to combat this is to relax and rest and make time for the things you love to do. Get a massage, listen to your favorite music, read a book, take a nap, or make time for your hobbies.
Spend Time with Your Loved Ones
Sometimes, just sharing your feelings and your frustrations with your family and friends makes you feel instantly better. They may not have all the answers to your problems, but you’ll know that you are not alone. Playing with your pets can also put you in a positive mood. They may not respond to you and understand your troubles but they are always there to comfort you and offer you their loyal companionship.
Manage Your Time
Time management can reduce stress as well as help you focus on your tasks. Normally, people tend to lose focus on the important things and get conflicted about what task to do first which is why it is best to create a to-do list and establish your own deadlines.
These methods can also be used effectively in your personal life. Create a calendar and schedule your plans for the month in order for you to stay organized and remember certain life events such as your friend’s birthday celebration next Sunday or a date with your significant other on a Friday night.
Consider Keeping a Journal
There may be times when you are unwilling to express all of your emotions and your frustrations to anybody except yourself, but at least write it down in your journal. Unleash all your thoughts and feelings—everything that you’ve bottled up inside your mind and body.
Also, write and talk about the things you are grateful for and happy about such as having an understanding family or that you still have food on your plate, or that you get to celebrate another day that offers another chance to try again and correct yesterday’s mistakes.
Try to be Positive
Try to look at the good side of the situation, even when it seems impossible. After losing your job, instead of dwelling on the uncertainty, believe that great things are coming. Who knows, maybe it’s time for you to find a job that is better for your career, or it may be time to finally build that restaurant you have been dreaming of since you were a kid.
Think of all the things you’re happy about and grateful for instead of thinking too much of things you do not possess.
Communicate with yourself in a positive manner, tell yourself that you can do it and that you can take on anything the world will throw at you. Allow yourself to have meaningful, compassionate, and deep conversations with yourself to boost your morale.