We live in a very fast paced society. Everyone is trying to better themselves, support their families, or maintain regular responsibilities like meet rent payments on time. These are all likely to lead to high levels of stress on our bodies.
High levels of stress can have negative effects on our bodies and minds. It hurts our health, ages us, and makes us unhappy. THere is a lot that is out of our control, but one thing we can do, is manage our everyday stress levels as much as possible. That way, when major tribulations hit us head on, we are able to handle them in the most positive way possible.
Here are five things you can do that might help:
1. Talk to a therapist or friend
Finding a therapist to help you think through stressful situations can be most helpful. Licensed therapists are trained to help you process your thoughts and potentially reduce your anxiety. Sometimes, we are also encouraged by our therapists to reach out to friends we trust to discuss the problems or obstacles we are facing. It is important not to keep your troubles bottled up inside, as this can cause you more stress and anxiety. Having another set of ears can also give you the possibility for potential solutions you have not thought of. Voicing your problems can relieve more stress than most people think.
2. Write down your thoughts in a journal
Instead of reacting quickly to a problem that you may be having, write it down. It will give you time to think it through and more clearly understand what you are going through. Write down the aspects that contribute to your current problem and possible solutions to better the situation. Buy a journal and keep it with you throughout the day so you always have it accessible in case you are having a stressful day.
3. Meditate
Allow yourself to be in a quiet space, even if it’s for five minutes a day. Focus on your breathing, and your body for as long as you can/need. This allows you to reconnect with your body, eliminate stress, and clear your mind. Some find it helpful to meditate outside with their shoes off, so their feet touch the ground and the sun hits their face. Others like to meditate in the privacy of their own home or bedroom. Find a quiet place that works for you and reconnect your body and mind daily.
4. Workout and eat a clean diet
SWEAT your stress out! Exercising can rid your body of a lot of stress. In contrast, one of the worst things you can do is to sit at home, eat junk food, and feel bad for yourself about the situation you are in. Exercising regularly can benefit your body in numerous ways. It makes you stronger but also relieves stress that may have built up throughout the day. Having healthy snacks also help a lot! You may think mac and cheese give you comfort, but feeling heavy and bloated doesn’t decrease stress in the long run… in fact it most probably increases it. So up your healthy snacks like apples and celery sticks and decrease the decadent ones like chocolate bars and sugary drinks.
5. Unplug from technology
It is very common for us to get consumed by our phones. Today, people can spend hours on their phones just checking social media alone. In other cases, emails, text messages, calls and web browsing can also take up a lot of our day. We can get so caught up in our phones that suddenly small aspects of our lives build way more stress than they should be able too. Put your phone, tablet or computer in another room for a couple of hours a day. If you can spend that time outside for a walk or with your family, you will find that your head will feel so much clearer and you will have a much better recollection of what you were doing in those present moments.
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