Practicing stress relief techniques, making good lifestyle choices, and eating well can help to decrease your stress levels
Everyone experiences stress from time to time. Between juggling your family, commitments, and work, it is easy to become stressed out. Luckily, there are many ways you can help decrease your stress levels and protect your emotional and physical health. Let's look at how you can begin managing your stress today.
1. Stress relief supplements – Several supplements help with stress relief. These natural supplements support your body and provide it with the nutrients it needs to counteract the effects of stress on the body. Some of the most common nutrients in these supplements include B vitamins, ginseng, CoQ10, and creatine.
When you are experiencing chronic stress, your adrenal glands produce excess cortisol. Excess cortisol can increase inflammation and lead to several health issues. Over time, your adrenal glands can become fatigued, and your immunity may decrease. A stress relief supplement nourishes your adrenal glands for optimal health while counteracting the effects of cortisol on the body.
2. Exercise—Getting 30 or more minutes each dayhelps counteract the effects of stress on the body. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which can naturally improve your mood and lower your stress levels. For best results, incorporate flexibility, aerobic, and strength training exercises into your workout routine to decrease stress and its effects on your body.
Many individuals find that tai chi and yoga lower stress levels better than other types of exercise. These mind-body exercises help you focus on your breathing, which decreases stress. Enjoy your daily exercise outdoors, as it has been shown to improve your mood.
3. Sleep – One of the most important things you can do to help decrease your stress levels is to ensure you get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, when you are stressed, you will have difficulty getting to sleepand staying asleep, which further exacerbates your stress.
Good sleep hygiene practices help you get the rest your body needs to counteract the effects of stress. These practices include turning off all electronics at least two hours before bedtime, going to bed at the same time each night, setting an alarm clock and waking up at the same time each day, and using room-darkening blinds or curtains.
4. Breathe deeply—Deep breathing exercises help rid the body of stress. As you practice them, your body releases endorphins, which help counteract the effects of stress. In addition, deep breathing improves blood flow to help reduce toxic overload. Finally, it slows the heart rate, increases oxygen flow, and calms your brain down.
Whenever you feel stressed out, practice deep breathing exercises. To do these exercises, sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes and concentrate on taking a slow, deep breath through your nose. Then, slowly exhale through pursed lips. As you breathe deeply, feel the stress leave your body, and calmness will overwhelm your body, spirit, and mind.
5. Muscle relaxation – When you are under stress, your muscles may tense up. Loosening your muscles by taking a hot bath, getting a massage, or practicing progressive muscle relaxation can help decrease the effects of stress on your body.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a mind-body technique that helps promote muscle relaxation. To perform it, lie down in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Take a few cleansing breaths and then concentrate on the muscle group in your head and neck. Tense the muscles in this area and then allow them to relax completely. Continue working downward throughout your body until you reach your toes.
6. Eat well. Meals filled with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide the nutrients and energy your body needs to combat stress and improve your overall health. Avoid refined carbohydrates, which can negatively impact your health and cause further stress.
Skipping meals should be avoided. Skipping meals can result in a lousy mood and further increase stress levels. Eating a small, nutritious meal every two to three hours can help counteract the effects of stress on your body and mind. This will help regulate glucose levels and prevent sudden drops, which can cause further stress.
7. Take a break—Most people's stress is caused by trying to pack too much into their day. While it can be challenging to allow yourself to take a break, it is one of the best things you can do to reduce your stress levels.
Schedule at least three days of "me" time each week. During this time, do things that you enjoy that are not stressful, such as journaling, reading a book, listening to music, praying, or meditation. In addition, it is essential to learn how to set boundaries and permit yourself to say no to avoid overbooking yourself.
8. Talk therapy—Talking to someone you trust, such as a therapist, clergyperson, family member, or friend, can help lower your stress levels. When looking for an individual to talk with, you want someone comfortable with who will keep your secrets and listen rather than give unwarranted advice.
During your talk therapy session, discuss what is stressing you out. As you continue to talk about your stress levels, you will soon be able to pinpoint areas of your life where changes need to occur to decrease your stress. For example, you may realize that you have taken on too much, are holding on to old emotions, or are feeling guilt or shame for things that have happened in your past. As you identify these issues, you can eliminate them from your life.
9. Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, ylang-ylang, and chamomile can help decrease anxietyand improve sleep. These and other essential oils promote a sense of calmness and soothe the body and mind, reducing stress and anxiety naturally.
Essential oils can be applied topically. When applying essential oils topically, mix them with carrier oil and use them to your pulse points, including your wrists, the back of your neck, and the umbilical regions. In addition to this, they can be used as aromatherapy. Place your favorite essential oil in a diffuser.
10. Reduce caffeine intake—Caffeine is a stimulant in energy drinks, cola, coffee, chocolate, and tea. Consuming too much caffeine can increase anxiety and cause jitters. Although caffeine in moderation offers several health benefits, you should limit your consumption to help reduce stress and anxiety.
You must wean yourself off caffeine if you consume more than five caffeinated beverages daily. Stopping suddenly can stress your body and lead to headaches, anxiety, and stress. Rather than quit cold turkey, slowly reduce your daily caffeine intake.
Stress and anxiety are every day in today's world. Stress can impact physical and emotional health. Learning to manage your stress levels will improve your physical and emotional health. Practicing stress relief techniques, making good lifestyle choices, and eating well can help decrease stress levels.
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by Madhu Hirani in Wellness
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