4 Easy Ways to Stop Stress In Its Tracks
Stress is often unavoidable. Life just…happens. Some stress can even be a good thing. But, for many people, stress tends to take over everything and can wreak havoc on your life, your relationships, and even your physical and mental health.
Whether you’re constantly worrying about the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic or your workplace has you feeling overwhelmed, too much stress can drastically diminish your quality of life.
In the UK, over 600,000 people reported suffering from work-place stress, depression, or anxiety from 2018-2019. That can lead to a lack of productivity, mental health conditions, or even serious medical issues like heart conditions or high blood pressure.
So, what can you do to stop stress each day and take control of your life again? Let’s look at four quick tips.
Get Moving
Exercise is one of the best natural ways to alleviate stress. You don’t have to run a marathon or hit the gym for an hour each morning. Taking a 30-minute walk every day can be a huge stress reliever.
Try to find something you enjoy doing, whether it’s dancing, yoga, cycling, or just walking with a friend. Exercise helps to release endorphins within your brain which will not only reduce stress, but can cause you to feel happy, and even reduce pain.
Choose Natural Supplements
There are certain supplements and natural solutions that can help with stress if you take them regularly. Some of the most common ones include:
- Lemon balm
- Green tea
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Some people even swear by CBD oil to help with stress. You can buy CBD oil easily these days, and it’s a natural product that is safe to use in a variety of applications.
If you don’t want to try supplements, making changes to your diet can actually help to lower stress levels, too! Choosing whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can not only boost your energy and immune system, but help you to better fight back against the effects of stress.
Start a Journal
There is a lot of power in writing things down. Keep a small notebook with you throughout your day, and jot down when something is stressing you out. Sometimes, simply getting it down on paper can help to alleviate some of the stress. Write about how you’re feeling and why.
Additionally, try to write down at least one thing each day that you’re grateful for. Showing gratitude is a great way to combat stress, because it causes you to look at the bigger picture and not just one specific stressful situation.
Laugh
You’ve probably heard the phrase “laughter is the best medicine,” and there’s some truth to that!
Laughing relieves your body’s response to stress, and relaxes your muscles to reduce tension. It can also give your immune system a boost and improve your mood. Spend time with the people who make you laugh the most, or turn on a television show or movie that always gets you laughing. It may not be the “best” medicine, but it definitely can help!
Stress will always be there, but you don’t have to let it consume you. Try these easy tips whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, and you’ll have a better chance of fighting back against its harmful effects.