We all know how damaging stress can be. It can stop us from sleeping, cause gastro discomfort and make us turn to the biscuit cupboard. Untreated chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, hair loss and heart disease. We all want to live happy, healthy lives, so it’s clear that we need to find ways of managing stress.
But it’s easier said than done. If stress was easy to manage, we wouldn’t feel stressed to begin with. The following tips will help to keep stress at a manageable level, but everyone’s different. You will need to find what works for you.
Meditation
Meditation is a big part of spirituality (and, if you’re interested in other areas, try medium chat). Many people are unaware of what meditation really is.
The concept is very simple, but also quite difficult. It involves finding a quiet and comfortable space and focusing on keeping your mind blank. If a thought comes into your mind, you must bat it away.
The aim is to rest your mind and reduce brain chatter – helping you to sleep better or focus on the task at hand.
You may also enjoy reading about my morning meditation routine.
Therapy
Let’s talk about therapy. Therapy is underrated. It’s something that everyone can benefit from. But, why?
Because many of us aren’t good at sharing our feelings. We worry about being judged and bothering others. However, therapy teaches us to become more open and confident when talking about our feelings. It shows us that letting it out is a good thing. It might be hard at first, but once you get into the habit you will find stress a lot more manageable. A problem shared is a problem halved.
Exercise
We all know that exercise can be great at managing stress. But when we’re stressed, it’s often because we’re busy and don’t have time to exercise.
However, it’s important to try to make time for exercise. Not only will your heart thank you for it, but you’ll experience endorphins that make you feel less stressed.
High intensity activity like running or swimming will give you a great place to channel your stress, and yoga or pilates will soothe your mind and melt the troubles away.
Don’t forget to check out what to expect on your first virtual 5K race.
Diet, Nutrition, and Supplements
Did you know that your diet could be making you more stressed? Research has found that what we eat greatly enhances the way we feel.
When we’re chronically stressed the body has a need for protein and we might be tempted to binge. Help to manage your stress by thinking about what you’re eating.
Start the day with a balanced breakfast and avoid sugary cereals or caffeine. Oatmeal, for example, can boost levels of serotonin – a calming brain chemical. Try to eat mindfully and think about the way food is making you feel.
While diet and nutrition is key, don’t forget your supplements, such as gummies with thc. THC stimulates cells in the brain to release dopamine, creating euphoria, according to NIDA.
Coloring
And, last but not least, if all else fails you can always turn to an adult coloring book. While some people might scorn, coloring books are becoming increasingly popular because they soothe your brain and help you to switch off. Don’t knock it before you try it.
Final Thoughts
While today’s posts only covers five ways to deal with stress, there are so many other ways. The most important thing to remember here is that it is important to find a way to manage your stress and choose the best options that work for you.
