10 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

10 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

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This post is all about ways to reduce stress.

Stress is something that is inevitable and we all experience it at some point in our lives. Anything from a small change to a major life crisis, stress is part of life. We cannot control our circumstances but we can surely control how we respond to them. Stress can become so overwhelming that it can begin to take a toll on your health, which is a big no-no! It can sometimes manifest into physical symptoms, like temporary hives, headaches, or long-term weight gain. This is the main reason why it is crucial to have effective stress relievers that can calm your mind and body down.

A quick and easy way to deal is to let your mind and body rest with a quick nap. If you were already sleep deprived, lack of sleep will make it harder to manage stress. I wanted to share a few tips and tricks to help get those cortisol levels down in situations of high stress. I’ve outlined the tricks in different sections: ways to calm stress in 5, 10 or 30 minutes.

WAYS TO CALM STRESS IN 5 MINUTES OR LESS

Acknowledge the stressor:

I have found that this helps tremendously! I know whenever I am stressed about something, I always scan my brain to figure out what is bothering me. Next, I think about it for a second and realize that I can and will figure it out. Acknowledging your stress can really help lift a huge weight off your shoulders and help to reduce stress. Facing the stress is an opportunity to reset your mind and to realize that it might not be as bad as you are making it seem.

Drink Stress-Reducing Tea:

There are so many supplements and herbs that can help you reduce anxiety and stress, however, a lot of them take a few weeks or months of taking before you can see results. Sipping on tea for a few minutes in a quiet room is very therapeutic and can help in the short term. Sitting in a peaceful location can also let your body know it is time to relax.

Stretch at your desk:

While working, it is extremely important to take breaks, even when you have a lot to do. If you are unable to step away from your desk, it is helpful to stretch at your desk. Stretching can help with an uncomfortable chair, work related pain or injuries. A simple stretch you can do is to clap your hand together and push upward with your palms facing the sky. Hold that pose for 10 seconds and then twist your torso. Repeat those steps and you will thank me later.

WAYS TO CALM STRESS IN 10 MINUTES

Go for a walk:

Exercising is a great way to manage stress. It lets you “escape” the situation and helps your body release endorphins, which are the neurotransmitters that make you feel warm and fuzzy. Try a few laps around the block to help you release tension and relax so you can return to the situation calmer.

Try Mindful Stress-Reduction Techniques:

A lot of time, stress can cause your mind to spiral down a rabbit hole of negativity. A proven way to escape that spiral is to anchor yourself to your present and focus on immediate results you can achieve.

Write it down:

This ALWAYS helps me! I am old school and I love to write everything down. I write down what is stressing me and it helps me focus on the positive and to tackle the problem.

WAYS TO CALM STRESS IN 30 MINUTES

Exercise, daily:

I mentioned walking but that is just for a quick break. Routine exercising can help improve the way your body uses oxygen and helps you cope with stressful situations. The benefits of working out are long term and you will feel the difference by sticking to a routine (at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week).

Take a hot bath:

Hot water is known to help release endorphins and increase blood flow to the skin. Warm baths can also improve breathing, reduce the risk of a heart attack, lower blood pressure and burn calories. Hot water can help keep muscles loose and reduce chronic pain flare ups.

Clean up:

I love to have a clean space and when I do, I instantly feel better. Clutter or an unorganized space will keep you in a stressful state. Cleaning can be an effective mindfulness practice.

Talk it out with friends:

It is known that a good social network is an extremely effective way to relieve stress. Talking out an issue with a trusted friend and getting another perspective on a situation may help you see something more clearly.

All in all, invisible stress is real and it can build up to chronic stress. Sometimes, we don’t realize we have stress because it’s been there all along. If you notice a change in your patience, if you are easily triggered or making mistakes then you need to consider taking a break to calm your mind. Chronic stress can increase your risk for mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety.

If you are experiencing stress, I hope that these tips help you to calm your mind and relieve the stress.

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This post was all about ways to reduce stress.

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