Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to completely remove stress from our lives?
Unfortunately, we seem to be heading towards more of it, rather than less of it. Stress affects all of us at different levels and stages of life.
And the best thing we can do is learn how to manage it.
But one thing I've learned is that it's much better to combine small things to reduce stress than to let stress build up and then try to relax.
So in this article, we'll show you 10 simple habits that, if practiced consistently, can instantly reduce your stress levels. Let's take a closer look:
1) Regular exercise
If you're like me, you want to find a solution right away. Maybe you're still reeling from the stress of Christmas and that's why you're reading this article.
Yes, it is okay. Let's start with exercise, but honestly, all of the points below can be put into practice right away.
But what I like about this is the instant relief it provides.
No, I'm not going to encourage you to join the gym with other people this month.
What I want you to do is move your body according to your mood.
Dance to your favorite song in your living room, take a long walk, or lie on your mat and stretch your muscles while listening to one of our many YouTube videos.
You know, any form of exercise. boost endorphins – These are feel-good chemicals that you miss when you’re stressed.
try it. Do your favorite movements for 20 to 30 minutes and notice how you feel before and after.
2) Meditation and deep breathing
To be honest, I haven't found my meditation flow yet, but I know that many people find it very relaxing and grounding.
So instead of trying to sound like an expert about it, I'll leave you here. This link is here A great guide to help you get started with meditation (hopefully you have more patience and perseverance than I do!).
But on the other hand, deep breathing is something I have done many times.
I have to say that this really helps when I'm under extreme stress or have a hard time calming my mind.
Basically, you need to breathe deeply into your abdomen. Place your hand on your stomach and feel the air expand and recede. Breathe in and out slowly and repeat until you feel your body relaxing.
as University of Toledo Note:
“Deep breathing and relaxation activate another part of the nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, which sends signals to the anxious part of the brain that you are safe and that there is no need to fight, flight, or freeze. I’ll tell you it’s not.” response. “
3) Eat well and drink enough water
Forget about eating well to lose holiday weight. A healthy diet is essential if you want to reduce stress.
I know it's winter, it's cold and dark, and chocolate and potato chips are very tempting.
But they do nothing to make you feel good from the inside out.
Instead, you should eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
And most importantly, avoid excess caffeine and sugar.
Personally, I believe in doing everything in moderation.
So if you're currently drinking five cups of coffee a day, consider cutting that down to two. And replace other things you normally drink with healthy smoothies or refreshing water.
Ultimately, the better you eat, the more your immune system will be supported. And that extra energy can do wonders. lower stress level.
4) Make time for family and friends
This is another simple habit that, if done correctly, can have a big impact on your stress levels…
However, you need to make sure that you surround yourself with the right people. Not Debbie Downers and people who suck your energy and make you feel more stressed.
as mental help I will explain:
“Social support appears to influence our hormonal balance. Adequate amounts of social support release a hormone called oxytocin, which has the ability to lower anxiety levels and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms reactions. It is associated with increased levels of hormones.”
So make it a new habit.
No matter how busy we are, everyone can find a way to spend time each day with close friends and family. Even if it's just a quick video call or sending a message.
5) Make time for yourself too
While you prioritize your loved ones, don't forget about yourself.
Carving out a little time each day to do something you love is also a great way to reduce stress.
For example, last week I felt my stress level rising. The combination of lack of routine, family drama, and work coming up on Monday was not fun.
So I took the night to myself. I canceled all my plans, watched a movie, ate my favorite meal, and then took a long shower while singing Tracy Chapman songs.
And believe me when I say I felt much lighter afterwards.
It also reminded me that it's worth making a little “me time” every day, even if it's one small thing a day, to reduce stress levels. .
6) Digital detox
Oh, and now it’s time for one of my favorites – turn off technology!
Most of us don't realize how overwhelming and overloaded social media, news, and gadgets in general can be.
But think about it this way.
You can access it anytime. Online, you can always see the lives of millions of people, most of whom you don't know. And what about the news? Well, the fact that it is now available 24/7 is just another stressor in our lives.
So turn everything off.
Don't let algorithms control you. You decide when enough is enough.
I set aside several hours a day to not touch my phone. This frees you up to work on other tasks and of course makes you feel less stressed as you get more done each day.
7) Spend time in nature
Well, let's put a few points together. Consider asking a friend to go for a walk to a local park, forest, or beach.
This will help you socialize, get some exercise, and be one with nature.
If you didn't know, this is one of the best remedies for stress.Actually, just 20 min Miracles can happen in a day.
Another way to work in nature is to change up your routine. If you usually eat lunch in the staff room or at your desk, why not go outside and sit down?
Or, if possible, walk to certain destinations instead of taking the bus or car. One thing we know about fresh air and nature is that they often help you:
8) Get enough sleep every night
Sleep isn't something you can ignore for weeks and expect to catch up on a little sleep over the weekend.
And it is important to note that sleep deprivation can occur. Stress levels increase significantly.
I'm a light sleeper, so I struggle to sleep well in general. However, by sticking to a general routine and playing white noise on my phone, I managed to improve it.
Other things that can help include keeping your room cool (by cracking open windows), sleeping in a dark place (by turning off the TV, etc.), and avoiding caffeine before bed.
After all, everyone feels better when they sleep well, so there's no need to take this lightly.
9) Improved time management
Getting into the habit of planning your time can significantly reduce your stress levels.
Get started today.
After reading this article, sit down and plan what you need to do tomorrow.
Get your most important tasks out of the way and plan time to relax, exercise, or connect with friends if you want.
In fact, if you make this a regular habit, you'll notice how much more productive you will be.
Not only that, but you'll be relieved of a lot of stress, and seeing your plans listed will already make you feel more in control of your day.
10) Fun hobbies
Now, on a lighter note (because planning is not the most glamorous thing in the world!) – let’s talk about hobbies.
Especially the fun type!
If you don't have a hobby, find one. Whether it's painting by numbers, gardening, archery, upcycling furniture, or skateboarding, whatever you love, be sure to make it a habit.
By doing something you love, even if it's just for 30 minutes at night, you'll notice that your stress levels immediately decrease.
And, as I explained earlier, you can also think of this as part of your “me time.”
Therefore, I hope that this article will give you some food for thought. Stress happens to us all the time, but if you follow the tips above, you can get on track to deal with stress instead of suffering from it.
