We all deal with stress. Whether it arises from our jobs, family life, drama with friends, a relationship problem, or finances....
mental health
We all deal with stress. Whether it arises from our jobs, family life, drama with friends, a relationship problem, or finances, stress is there. While a little stress is good for you, allowing you to grow physically and mentally, excessive and chronic stress is harmful. Prolonged stress can even lead to tension headaches and other health problems that limit your functioning at work, and in your relationships. Leading a stressful life hinders our efficiency and lessens our ability to live a healthy and happy life. Being stressed, you may fall sick more often, can feel grumpy and even irritated too.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of de-stressing is usually the thought of going on a holiday. But this is not enough. The truth is you shouldn’t only relax while on holiday, you should be finding ways to slow down regularly throughout the year. Relaxing equates to giving yourself time, time to unwind and time to de-stress. Here are some tried and tested tips on how to de-stress...
Put your kettle to use - Chamomile tea, rose tea and black tea are all good options when it comes to making some soothing, hot beverage. A hot cup of tea can relieve anxiety and have a calming effect that are both beneficial in relieving some stress.
Wake up early: Wake up early in the morning. As the saying goes, “early to bed and early to rise, makes a man, healthy wealthy and wise”. So, follow a daily routine and set a time to sleep at night and when to wake up. Waking up early is not just healthy for your body but is also beneficial in improving mental health.
Light a candle: Using essential oils or burning a scented candle may help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety. Using scents to treat your mood is called aromatherapy. Aromatherapy can help in reduce anxiety after a hectic day. Pick your favorite scent, grab a book, dim the lights and relax.
Exercise: Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress. Taking a stroll outside after work or going on a short jog can help relieve some tension and allows you to get some fresh air too. Exercise is a way to manage stress that doesn’t have to add to your financial woes. For example, a 20-minute walk or jog around your block can yield up to 12 hours of improved mood. The main thing is to find a physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s dancing or walking.
Take a yoga class: Yoga has become a popular method of stress relief and exercise among all age groups. Some studies have looked at yoga’s effect on mental health. Overall, they have found that yoga can enhance mood and may even be as effective as antidepressant drugs at treating depression and anxiety.
Breathe/meditate: Breathing slowly, deeply, and deliberately is a very simple and easy way to cope with everyday stress and exhausting schedules. Take a few moments to stop and breathe when stress rears its head. You’ll be able to relax your muscles and focus your mind, readying yourself for whatever obstacles lie ahead.
Also, a simple, 20-minute meditation will make you refreshed and relaxed. Besides this, it also helps to reduce your anxiety, tension and stress.
Write it down: One way to handle stress is to write things down. While writing down what you’re stressed about is one approach, another is writing down what you’re grateful for. Gratitude may help relieve stress and anxiety by focusing your thoughts on what’s positive in your life.
Socialize: Spending time with friends and family who give you a sense of belonging, purpose, and fun may provide all the stress relief you need.
Laughter really is the best medicine: Watch a funny TV show, hang out with friends who make you laugh and even find humor in your troubles. In the long term, laughter can also help improve your immune system and mood.
Learn to say no: Not all stressors are within your control, but some are. One way to do this may be to say ‘no’ more often. This is especially true if you find yourself taking on more than you can handle, as juggling many responsibilities can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Being selective about what you take on - and saying no to what will unnecessarily add to your load - can be a good start to controlling your stress levels.
Listen to soothing music: Listening to music can have a very relaxing effect on the body.
Slow-paced instrumental music can induce the relaxation response by helping lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as stress hormones.
Make a change: Sometimes the best way to obtain stress relief is to remove your source of tension. For example, if you are in a job working at a certain pace in an environment that is objectively painful because of your boss, coworkers, and so on, and you’re doing it because you can earn 10 percent more money than doing something else, you could calculate that you might be better off doing something else.
Look after yourself: Never forget to take good care of you. When we are in a stressful situation, we end up getting tensed and worried without giving a thought about ourselves. We ignore our own selves either by eating unhealthy meals or by not giving our body and mind enough rest. This ignorance can more harm us greatly and could weaken our power to deal with stress.
