How I Learned Stress Management with These Highly Effective Stress Reducers

Life is like a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. For some, this is exhilarating. For others, it is stressful. From major crises to minor challenges, we all deal with stress differently. You can’t always control what goes on in the world around you, but you can control how you respond to it.

If stress becomes overwhelming or chronic, it can put your health at risk. That’s why having effective stress reducers to calm your body and your mind is important. Learning to deal with stress in a healthy way can help you take care of yourself emotionally and physically.

However, stress relief isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. What works for you may not work for someone else. And some situations may be more appropriate for some methods than others. That’s why it’s essential to have an arsenal of stress relief strategies to use.

Try Meditation

Meditation has a slew of benefits backed by science, with reducing stress at the top of the list. It can bring both short-term and long-term stress relief. There are many different types of meditation, so if you think of chanting and looking at your navel as the only way to meditate, you may be surprised. Not that there’s anything wrong with chanting if that’s your thing.

Look into one of these popular forms of meditation: guided meditation, breath awareness meditation, mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and transcendental meditation. When you are focused on your breathing or following a guided meditation, you won’t be able to revisit something in the past or worry about the future. It takes practice, but meditation can make a big difference in your stress level.

Take a Walk Outside

Breathing fresh air has been proven to make us feel better, so taking a walk outside it a great way to reduce stress. And if often works in minutes. When you take a walk, you can enjoy a change of scenery, which can change your mood. And it gets your blood circulating. Walking outside is best, but even a short stroll around the office can help.

Create Some Artwork

As kids, it’s easy to get in touch with your creative side. As an adult, not so much. But it’s not too late. If drawing or painting isn’t your thing, try a coloring book. There are many adult coloring books out there, their rise in popularity is a testament to their success as stress relievers. Research has confirmed that coloring has a meditative effect. One study found that coloring complex geometric patterns like mandalas reduces anxiety levels.

Eat a Balanced Diet

It really does all come down to healthy eating. A poor diet can affect how your body reacts to stress. Emotional eating and high sugar, high-fat foods may feel like they give you temporary relief from stress, but in the long term, they can add to it.

These refined carbs can make your blood sugar spike, and when it crashes, you may feel even more stressed and anxious. Eating a healthy diet can keep your gut balanced, which can then help control anxiety and stress. Eggs, walnuts, and avocado help support energy balance and mood regulation.

Develop a Positive Self-Talk Habit

How you talk to yourself makes a difference. Self-doubt, harsh self-criticism, and catastrophic predictions can keep you on edge. It’s important to talk to yourself in a realistic, positive, and compassionate manner. When you catch yourself using negative self-talk, switch to a kinder inner dialogue.

Practicing positive self-talk is good for your brain and your mood. It can help you develop a healthier outlook and help you manage your emotions, making it easier to take positive action.

Develop a Consistent Yoga Practice

A yoga practice combines meditation, movement, and controlled breathing-all of which are excellent for reducing stress. Even a single yoga session can benefit you, but incorporating a regular yoga practice into your routine will give you long-term benefits. To get started, sign up for a few classes, try an online program, or use one of these yoga videos to stay calm and focused.

Cultivate the Habit of Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can positively affect your stress levels. It can help you recognize all the GR8 things in your life. Whether you are thankful for sunny days, a safe commute to work, or good food to eat, thinking about all the good things you have in your life will help you maintain an attitude of gratitude.

Practicing gratitude also helps you realize all the resources you have to cope with stress. Knowing this can be empowering. Making gratitude a regular habit can improve your mental health, lower your stress levels, and improve your quality of life.

Exercise Regularly

Physical exercise is key to improving mental health and managing stress. It doesn’t really matter what kind. Take a class, join a gym, exercise outside. Join a running group, a spin class, or weight training, whatever you do to move your body can help with stress relief.

Avoid Things That Stress You Out

The best way to reduce your stress levels, try avoiding the things that stress you out. This includes watching the news, drinking too much caffeine, and overindulging in alcohol or food. In addition, edit your social media by setting a time limit, block or unfriend negative people, and only follow positive pages. Making small changes to your daily routine can help you feel better.

A Note from GR8NESS

Please note that information on our website is not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical condition. If you are feeling chronic stress or anxiety, please speak with your doctor and follow their advice regarding the best treatment for your unique needs.

Originally published at https://www.gr8ness.com on May 31, 2020.