There’s no denying that our lives are busy. Between working a demanding job, running a household, looking after a family or dealing with the various challenges life throws at us, things can get pretty stressful.
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Stress is aptly referred to as a ‘silent killer’ as its negative effects on your health can accumulate over time and lead to serious consequences in the long-term. To remedy this, we need to look at ways of managing and reducing our stress – here’s how:
Eat a healthy diet
Nourishing your body with a diet that consists of a good balance of fruits, veggies and whole grains is good for your overall health and well-being, and being in a positive mental and physical state will help you better manage stress.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is also important for both our mental and physical well-being. We should aim for 7 to 9 hours of slumber each night. Having quality sleep and sticking to a consistent schedule can help improve mood and ultimately decrease stress.
Stay active
Partaking in physical activity, such as walking, stretching, swimming or even dancing, helps the body reduce tension and release endorphins – ‘happy hormones’ – which have mood-boosting effects and result in lower stress levels.
Practise mindfulness
This involves being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings. This stops us from overthinking and worrying, which can lead to stress.
Do deep breathing and meditation
Taking deep, slow breaths triggers the body’s relaxation response. Extend this into a meditation session where you keep your attention on your breath or a particular object. This can help give you mental clarity, calm the mind and reduce stress. Yoga is a good exercise to perform where you can practise breathing techniques and meditation.
Spend time in nature
Going for a walk in a park or immersing yourself in any natural setting will have a positive effect on your mental state and stress levels.
Find a hobby
Partaking in an activity that brings you joy will take your mind off what is stressing you out, allowing you to have a healthy distraction instead of turning to things that may be harmful to you.
Connect with loved ones
Meeting with your girls for a coffee and catch-up or having a family get-together is the ultimate stress reliever. These circles provide a safe space within which you can talk about your feelings and seek the support you may need.
Be smart with your time
Practising good time management will help you organise your tasks and to-do lists, set realistic goals and break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This will make your goals feel more attainable and lessen feelings of being overwhelmed.
Seek professional help
If your attempts at managing your stress are not giving you the results you’d hoped for, and
it is significantly impacting your life, it may be time to meet with a counsellor or therapist who can offer you professional advice on how to approach the matter.
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