5 Tips to Manage Your Stress?
Everyone experiences stress, but in different ways. From a headache to an upset stomach to depression, there is no single definition for stress. Other serious health issues like stroke, hypertension and heart disease can also result from long term stress. So, how do you manage your stress?
Here are 5 tips to coping and reducing your feelings of stress in your life:
Recognize the cause of your stress. Are you concerned about your finances, your children, your job? Do you feel overwhelmed or have too many obligations? Ask yourself these questions to try and figure out what is triggering your stress. Sometimes, the stress in our lives is something you cannot change. Rather than become anxious or frustrated, focus your mind on the things you have control of and change your approach. Oftentimes, it may be helpful to talk to others about your stress.
Exercise to relieve your stress. Adding physical activity to your daily routine cannot only lower stress levels but, it can help to maintain better physical health.
Proper nutrition is important in reducing and managing stress. Cortisol is a stress hormone which can have a negative impact on your body. Healthy, unprocessed foods help to build your immune system and lower your blood pressure.
Get some restful sleep. Most people do not get enough sleep. While the amount of sleep necessary varies with age and health, the recommendation is 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Stress can interfere with your sleep patterns. So, try to create a sleep schedule that gives you enough time each night to wind down and relax. Then, you can reap the benefits of a restful slumber every night.
Try deep breathing and/or meditation. Deep breaths using the technique, a slow inhalation of about five seconds, hold for two seconds and exhalation for five seconds is a good practice for reducing overall stress. Meditation is also a great way to focus on breath work and calm your mind. There are many guided meditation apps available on your phone or computer which can help you to relax and relieve stress.
