Stress can cause all sorts of health problems, from headaches and stomachaches to more serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. And if that’s not bad enough, stress can also make you irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed. In short, it can make your life total misery.
So what can you do about it? How can you healthily manage stress and keep it from taking over your life? Here are seven tips for people that are frequently under stress.
Get organized
One of the best ways to manage stress is to get organized. When you’re well-organized, you know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done and that leads to feeling more in control and less stressed.
[Read: Black And Hispanic People Are Less Likely To Receive CPR Than White Peers]
One way to get organized is to keep a daily planner and write down everything you need to do each day and this means staying on track and avoiding forgetting important tasks. Another way to get organized is to use a calendar app on your phone or computer. This can be a great way to set reminders for yourself so you don’t forget what you need to do.
Ask professional help
If you’re struggling to manage your stress on your own, it may be time to ask for professional help. According to Enhance Health Group, therapists can teach you healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety and can also help you identify the root cause of your stress so you can address it head-on. If you suffer from chronic stress, therapy may be the best way to help you get your life back on track.
Additionally, your primary care physician can also help you manage stress. They can prescribe medication if needed and can also refer you to a therapist or other specialist if they think it would be beneficial.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress because when you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. Additionally, exercise can help to clear your mind and give you a break from whatever is causing you stress.
Of course, if you don’t have time for a full workout, you can try and incorporate exercise into your day by doing light tasks and taking little effort. So, taking a brisk walk around the block or going for a bike ride are both great ways to get your heart rate up and relieve stress.
Get plenty of sleep
When you’re tired, your body is under more stress because it’s working overtime to try to function normally. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including headaches, fatigue, and irritability. To avoid this, make sure you’re getting enough sleep which is for most adults at least seven hours of sleep per night.
If you struggle to have a regular sleep schedule or you have trouble falling asleep, one thing you can do is establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. This may include taking a hot bath, reading a book, or doing some light stretching before bed.
Additionally, avoid caffeine and screens (including your TV, computer, and phone) for at least an hour before you go to bed. The light from screens can interfere with your sleep and the caffeine can make it harder for you to fall asleep.
Eat a healthy diet
What you eat can also affect your stress levels as eating foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat can make you feel more anxious and stressed. On the other hand, eating foods that are high in protein and complex carbs can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
Some of the best foods for reducing stress include salmon, blueberries, avocados, nuts, and dark chocolate. So next time you’re feeling stressed, try reaching for one of these foods instead of unhealthy junk food.
Practice relaxation techniques
There are several different relaxation techniques you can use to help you manage stress. Deep breathing helps to slow your heart rate and calm your mind. It’s also a great way to get more oxygen to your brain, which can help improve your focus and concentration.
[Read: Fatigue – How to Deal With It?]
Another relaxation technique is progressive muscle relaxation which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. This can help to release the tension you’re feeling and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Take breaks throughout the day
Finally, when you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it’s important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and to give you time to recharge.
Try to take a few minutes for yourself every couple of hours to do something you enjoy. This may be taking a walk outside, listening to music, or reading a book.
Managing stress can be a challenge, but following these seven tips can help make it easier. These tips will help you to identify the root cause of your stress, exercise to relieve tension, get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and practice relaxation techniques.
Additionally, taking breaks throughout the day is important for avoiding burnout.
Sign up for our newsletter to get the best of The Sized delivered to your inbox daily.
