Stress is a constant factor in our everyday lives that we’re all too familiar with. We experience it every day and could even come from the most basic things like daily road traffic and chores at home. Our levels of stress can also increase especially due to more serious matters such as our career or relationships.
When we experience stress, our body reacts in certain ways that affect our physical, emotional, and intellectual processes. Over time, constant exposure to stress can cause some serious negative effects that could lead to the deterioration of our mental and physical health. It can hamper with our abilities to think clearly, function effectively and enjoy life in general.
That’s why one of the important skills in life that you should master is effective stress management. This can help you control, balance and even hinder the effects of stress on your mental and physical health so you can be happier, healthier and more productive. Here are some simple and doable ways that you can do to manage stress in your daily existence:
1.Exercise daily.
I know it sounds cliché and you might have heard this advice a million times before, but it really works! According to many medical studies, any form of physical exercise, fitness routine or sports can act as a stress reliever. This is because physical activities help bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good chemicals called endorphins. So getting physical and sweating can literally help you to feel happy and alleviate the stress that you experience on the daily. Have you ever noticed how you feel accomplished and great every after workout sesh? So keep your butt busy and moving to stay happy!
2.Choose healthy food for your body.
Having a healthy diet doesn’t just affect the body, but also the way you can handle stress. Oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, fish and herbal teas can boost your serotonin, a chemical that helps calm the brain. Eating healthy and nutritious food can also lower the levels of cortisol in your body, which is the common hormone that contributes to high levels of stress. There are a lot of delish food in the market right now that are also healthy and nutritious. It is just all about finding what your taste buds would love and appreciate, and your body can benefit from.
3.Communicate your stress.
Sometimes you just need a breather and time to let it all out. Having someone to talk to when you experience high amounts of stress can help you moderate the effects of it. Talking and sharing what bothers you to your friends and loved ones can be all you need to feel better. That’s why it is essential that you build your own tribe of people who really have your best interests at heart, and who are willing to listen. So communicate, let it all out and let go of the bad vibes after.
4.Relax and meditate.
Setting aside a few minutes each day to quiet your mind, meditate and just relax can do wonders to you. It helps you focus and restore your body and mind to a calm state, thus removing any stress in the body so you could feel refreshed and rejuvenated!
5.Indulge yourself with your hobby.
Indulging yourself in your hobby helps you have your mind focused on something that you truly enjoy. Playing video games, painting, reading books or watching your favorite TV shows are not just guilty pleasures, but are healthy ways you can manage your stress. These activities relieve tension from your mind and body, thus reducing stress. So go set aside some time to truly enjoy your hobbies in a healthy way, and relax unapologetically!
6.Manage your time wisely.
You have no idea how planning wisely and managing your time strategically can save you from a world of stress. By managing your schedule, you can prepare yourself mentally, emotionally and physically of the tasks you have to face and deal with for the day. Through proper schedule management, you can also strategically manage the right time for work, and the right time for play! After all, it is definitely all about balance!
When you’ve mastered the art of managing your stress, you can improve your life in ways you never thought could be possible.
Image Sources: Kathryn Bernardo’s Instagram Page, Pexels.com