There is no denying that stress can be good for you. It motivates us, energizes, challenges. However, if it becomes too heavy to handle, it can lead to serious health issues like elevated blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and even diabetes. Luckily, there are tips you can use to reduce stress in your life.
The benefits of good stress management can be life-changing. For instance, you’ll notice an improvement in your mood; there will be a boost in your immune system; and an increase in self-confidence.
How can you reduce stress in your life?
Stress reduction does not happen overnight. In our rushed society, it’s not exactly easy to achieve just the right amount of good stress in your life. But with a little staying power, you’ll soon reap the advantages of better managing the stress in your life.
Gradually remove unhealthy habits
Most of us are guilty of nursing at least one unhealthy habit, if not several. Luckily, it is never too late to turn a new leaf and gradually rid yourself of the demons that seem to bring stress relief only to, ultimately, make things worse.
If stress has turned you into a chain smoker, quit (or at least cut back). If you find yourself lining up for a drive-through burger several times a week, give your body a break with better nutrition. If alcohol or drug use is your Achilles heel, get help with your addiction.
If you are going through a highly stressful period in your life, you may think that turning to addictive substances is a good idea. At first, it might seem to be helpful, but it will eventually compound the issue. Substance abuse will likely create an entirely new plethora of stress — financially, in relationships, at work, for your physical health, etc.
Get plenty of sleep
Have you ever noticed how fast you snap at the little things? Sure, stress plays a role. But what it may come down to is a lack of sleep.
Not getting enough sleep can have a myriad of negative effects on a person. Cutting short on zzzs not only makes you irritable and moody, you’ll also have trouble concentrating, have low energy, and — because that financial report won’t write itself — cause you to become even more stressed.
Getting ample sleep is essential to reduce stress. Your body regenerates cells while you snooze, and when this happens, meaning your body gets recharged.
Establish a connection with others
Keeping your emotions bottled up, especially due to stress, is not healthy. Most often than not, this causes people to seclude themselves from the world and face their problems alone.
Instead of handling things solo, why not join a support group or communicate with loved ones? Surely some of them, if not all, will provide you with support during trying times.
You will notice a shift in your life as you openly communicate your feelings with others.
Laugh more often!
Another great way to reduce stress is by laughing more often. Allow yourself to feel and be happy.
It may look like we are joking, but this is actually true. Although laughing will not solve all of life’s problems, it does help in stress reduction.
According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter lowers stress levels, so doing this is advised. Aside from lowering stress levels, laughter has various short-term and long-term benefits as well.
Seek professional help when needed
If the above tips are not showing any improvements in terms of reducing your stress, then your last resort would have to be to seek help from a professional.
Various forms of therapy can help you reduce stress. For instance, talk therapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and so on and so forth.
The post International Stress Awareness Day: 5 Tips to Reduce Stress in Your Life appeared first on The Village Voice.
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