Overcoming Stress seems almost impossible. We’re living faster, working harder and our ‘to-worry-about’ lists keep growing longer.
While it may be unrealistically avoidable, there are a few things you can incorporate into your lifestyle to keep stress levels in check.
Here are seven easily integrated changes you can make to combat Stress:
1. Get outdoors
Swapping mental Stress for the physical kind is one sure-fire way to reduce it and retain your wellbeing.
A regular exercise routine doesn’t only reduce Stress but also anxiety levels and the hormones that create both.
Releasing endorphins by getting a little daily fresh air and sunshine can see your negative moods and mind frame do a complete 360 too.
2. Try different supplements
Testing out a range of dietary supplements, especially stress-reducing, relaxation varieties, can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. Look for these ingredients on the back of the pack:
• Lemon Balm
• Fatty Acids – Omega 3
• Green Tea Extract
• Ashwagandha
3. Lay off the caffeine
Pumping yourself with caffeine-laden energy drinks or consuming your three regular daily cappuccinos could be contributing to your stress and anxiety issues.
Trade these up for something with either less or no caffeine if you notice yourself getting jittery or nervous routinely.
4. Practice gratitude
Writing things down on paper not only reduces forgetful worries but rather allows you to practice being grateful for everything you have in conjunction with mindfulness.
Focusing on positive life aspects provides a chance for negativity to make its escape.
5. Enjoy some quality family time
Just being in the presence of family and friends helps you put problems, Stress and other menial life issues into perspective. It also provides reassurance that you’ve got an incredible, loving and caring support network on your side.
Instil some confidence back into your character by exposing yourself to family-found, home-grown comfort every once in a while.
6. Get laughing
You’d be surprised how a few genuine chuckles can change your mood and mental outlook on particular things.
Having a good laugh releases physical muscle tension and relieves your stress response. It’s time to turn to your favourite comedian for some much-needed hilarity.
7. Quit saying ‘yes’ to everything
When you finally work up the courage to deny people their every request, an immense weight of perceived responsibility and obligation is lifted from your shoulders.
Telling people ‘no’ more often gives you back a sense of control and leaves you feeling less overwhelmed with life’s antics.
If there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s that Stress is generally only as bad as you either perceive it or manage it.
Take some time for yourself and start channelling Stress using these paths of relief and make a note of the key differences along the way.
Just relax. You’ve got this!
