Stress is an emotion we all can relate to in our everyday lives, but sometimes it can be extremely overwhelming. We may need a little extra help when it comes to relieving these feelings. Here are 7 ways in which you can reduce stress both in the moment and long-term:
- Avoid Unhealthy Habits. Engaging in activities such as smoking, drinking, having too much caffeine, or eating unhealthy foods can all trigger stress. Many people rely on these unhealthy habits for short-term relief, but overall, they are known to cause long-term effects on your health.
- Maintain a Routine. Stress is exacerbated by unplanned activity. For example, if we don’t know what the day will bring, it can lead to more anxiety. Having a set sleep schedule, work routine, and eating pattern can help your mind and body adjust to what the day brings.
- Laugh More. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, a great way to relax is by getting some laughs. Laughing fires up and then cools down your stress response. It may help to put on your favorite comedy, read some jokes, or engage in a fun activity with loved ones.
- Try Meditating. Meditation is helpful when it comes to relieving stress because it streamlines the jumbled thoughts that are crossing your mind. Focusing on instilling a calm, peaceful balance of thoughts can benefit your emotional and physical well-being. Try guided meditation, guided imagery, or visualization anywhere at any time, whether you’re in public or at home.
- Minimize phone use / screen time. Smartphones, computers, and tablets are known to increase stress levels. The intake of information we receive from these devices can make us feel overwhelmed and drained. It can also disrupt our sleep cycle and the way we communicate with others. When possible, put technology aside and experience the world in real time.
- Do Positive Self-Talk. How we speak to ourselves is as important as how we speak to others. It is easy to fall into a negative mindset when we are feeling stressed, so it is crucial that we find a way to remain upbeat and motivated. The mind is very powerful, and positive self-talk can help reassure us that we can handle anxious and stressful feelings.
- See a Therapist. If your stress level is disrupting your everyday life, it may be time to seek help from a professional. Therapy and counseling can aid with the overwhelming or trapped feelings you may be experiencing from stress. These professionals can pinpoint which areas of your life may be causing the most stress and provide you with the coping skills needed to relieve those issues.
Stress may be an unavoidable part of life, but there are ways to control it. Getting your stress levels under control can help avoid long-term chronic issues in the future.