Stress Management Techniques for a Healthier Life
Hi Friends! Let’s grab a metaphorical cup of coffee and have a chat about something that affects us all at one point or another – stress. Now, I am not going to sit here and pretend that I have it all figured out. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of turning into a stress ball. But, I have picked up some decent techniques along the way that I want to share with you all. So, are you ready to manage that stress and lead a healthier life? Let’s dive right in!
Recognize the signs
First things first, we need to be able to recognize when we are stressed. Our bodies usually send off signals like headaches, an upset stomach, or difficulty sleeping. I remember this one time I was so stressed about a presentation that I literally didn’t sleep for two nights straight. Not fun. Trust me when I say understanding your stress signals can be a big step towards managing stress [1].
Exercise regularly
Now, I’m sure you’ve heard this one before. I bet you’re picturing a yoga mat, aren’t you? While yoga is a great way to de-stress, there are so many more options out there. For instance, I quite enjoy a brisk walk in the park. I have seen a drastic decrease in my stress levels ever since I started walking regularly [2]. So find an activity you love and stick to it!
Eat healthy and hydrate
This one is straight from my mom’s book of life advice. We are what we eat, quite literally. It’s strange but true that gut health is related to mental health [3]. A balanced diet can really help keep those stress levels in check. And let’s not forget about hydration. Drinking plenty of water has been my personal saviour in those stress-induced headache situations.
Practice mindfulness
When I first heard of mindfulness, I thought it was some fancy buzzword. But after practicing mindfulness meditation for a while, I can honestly say it works wonders. It brings a sense of peace and helps you stay focused on the present rather than stressing about past or future [4].
Reach out to your loved ones
Last, but not least, never underestimate the power of a good chat with a friend or family member. During lockdown, I found having regular video calls with my family to be super beneficial. They provided an outlet for me to express my feelings and concerns. Oftentimes, that’s all we need to ease our stress [5].
Well, that’s it, folks! Let’s remember to take care of ourselves and manage stress before it starts managing us. If you have any techniques that have worked out for you, please share in the comments. I’d love to hear them! Until next time, stay relaxed!
- [1] American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress: The different kinds of stress.
- [2] Mayo Clinic. (2019). Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress.
- [3] Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). The gut-brain connection.
- [4] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Mindfulness exercises.
- [5] Mental Health America. (2020). Staying connected while physically distancing.