There is plenty to be stressed out about these days, but you are not alone. Even when there isn't a global pandemic, we still find a way to sweat the small stuff, whether that be dealing with work, kids, or personal problems.
It is natural to be stressed, but you do not need it to affect your life. By controlling your fears and emotions, you can live a healthier and happier life.
Here are 3 easy steps to being less stressed and how to make them happen.
1. Get Enough Sleep
Before you do anything during the day to fight stress, you need to start off with a blank slate, and you can do that by getting enough sleep.
Doctors recommend that you get 7 to 9 hours of sleep. When you get enough sleep, you refresh your body and mind. It helps you tackle a new day as it regulates your mood, improves your concentration, and sharpens your decision-making skills.
Going to bed early but tossing and turning all night will not help you wake up rested and stress-free, so you need to set your bed time up for success.
Try these tips:
Don't drink caffeine or alcohol during the evening.
Don't smoke.
Avoid your cell phone and other screens while you lay in bed.
Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning, even on weekends. Having a routine will help you to get better sleep.
Finish dinner a few hours before bed time.
2. Stress Reduction Techniques
Once you wake up refreshed, start your day with some stress reduction techniques.
These can include the ideas below or doing anything that you enjoy, and that puts your mind at ease. You don't have to only do these exercises in the morning, but take some time during the day for yourself and try these techniques.
Journaling
Write out your feelings when you wake up and before you to go bed. This is the closest thing to talking to someone about how you feel, and it will help you relieve your stresses of the day.
Yoga
While doing yoga will help you to stretch and feel better overall, it is really about the breathing that this type of exercise entails. Here are some great yoga exercises for stress that include the side stretch, easy pose, and the standing forward bend.
Breathing exercises
If yoga isn't your thing, then you can still do some breathing exercises that can help with stress. It doesn't have to be a big production. Just take some time during the day to take a big, deep breath, hold it for 5 seconds, and then let it out.
Here are some other great breathing exercises.
Spend time with friends and family
Another way to cut down on stress is to enjoy your down time, and afternoons with family and friends can supply just that. Hang out with those you love and tell them about your issues, or don't. That is up to you.
Go out and do something fun. Go bowling, visit a local park, or just catch a flick.
Listen to soothing music
Different types of music can help you to feel different ways. Fast music can help you feel more confident, and slower music can help to soothe your stress and help you relax.
Listen to slow music while you work or at the end of the day as you do your breathing exercises.
3. Be Healthy
The final step to being less stressed is to live an overly healthy lifestyle, and that means eating right and getting exercise.
Diet is Key
When you eat better, you feel better overall. In fact, studies have shown that those who eat more chocolate and fried food have a better chance for depression. Make sure that you eat plenty of vegetables and don't eat more than you are comfortable with.
In general, you want to avoid nicotine, alcohol, and you don't want to drink too much coffee during the course of the day. Having a cappuccino at the start of the day is great, but too much caffeine can put you on edge.
Exercise is Important Too
You don't have to run a marathon, but getting some exercise in the mornings can get your mind right and keep you healthy. Experts recommend about 150 minutes of exercise spread out during the course of the week.
Combine aerobic exercise like running or power walking along with strength training and add more weight over time.
Final Thoughts
Even the happiest person is stressed about something at some point in their life, so if you are feeling down, know you are not alone. Reach out to someone or try the tips above, and everything will work out okay.
Do you have any particular stress-reduction techniques that work for you? If so, mention them down in the comments!
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