Ways to reduce stress
Your reaction to the things happening in your life is what determines their effect on you. Thankfully science discovered 9 effective ways to help us alleviate stress and anxiety. In other words, let’s learn how to reduce stress and its impact on our lives.
It’s time to unload, recharge your batteries and take care of yourself. You can choose calmness and relaxation instead of tension, anxiety and stress.
Experts give us scientifically proven ways to help reduce stress, no matter what happens around.
The following ways will help you achieve this:
1. Take a deep breath
It’s one of the simplest and easiest ways to relax and reconnect with yourself. According to research, proper breathing and meditation are directly related to your mental well-being and have numerous benefits.
If you manage to concentrate on your breathing, you’ll be able to “send” more oxygen to your brain and thus you will be able to think more clearly and relax, dispelling away any thoughts and problems that concern you. Since you never remember to take a deep breath whenever you’re stressed, start establishing it now. You will be amazed at how much it can do for you.
2. Start exercising
Are you exercising? If not, what are you waiting for? Whatever form of exercise you do, research shows that through it you release endorphins, which improve mood and blood circulation, transporting the necessary nutrients to your body. So if you feel anxious and stressed, start exercising. Believe us. You won’t regret it.
3. Watch your diet
Sweets, drinks and anything fattening doesn’t help you eliminate stress. They may give you instant gratification, but none of this is what your body really needs.
What you need are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lots and lots of water. According to research, water has a huge impact on your mood and well-being. Don’t forget that a balanced diet helps the proper functioning of the body, while giving you all the nutrients you need.
That’s why you should start to eat right. Your body and mind will thank you.
4. Discuss
What could be better than discussing something that concerns you with someone you trust? To break out or express to them everything you feel. A great weight will be lifted and you’ll feel tremendous relief. Sometimes it’s very difficult to distance yourself from a problem and look at it objectively.
But talking to a friend, a family member, or even a coworker, in addition to comforting you, will help you think differently and more clearly.
The support of people close to you is very important, because it makes you feel that there is someone who understands and recognizes your value. And even better, it can make you laugh. This is the power of friendship and meaningful communication.
5. Go for a walk in nature
Are you very stressed? Try going for a walk in nature. Dozens of studies highlight the benefits of fresh air on your mental health. Try it and you’ll find that there is no better cure than this.
Your mood will change and your energy and creativity will increase. So go out – even if it means simply walking around your house. Not only will you improve your physical condition, but also your mental one.
6. Hug more often
Contact is one of the fastest ways to drive away your negative vibes and make you feel better, as it releases oxytocin, the hormone of the arms, which has the power to ward off stress and improve your mood. Next time, when you feel a little depressed, give your friend, partner, or pet a hug and improve your mood in seconds!
7. Express your gratitude
Do you know how powerful a “thank you” is? Gratitude helps you to understand what is important and what isn’t, as well as to appreciate everything you have. Whatever happens in your life, gratitude gives you a sense of calm, a clear vision and gives you the strength you need to keep going when things aren’t easy.
Research shows that gratitude makes you happier. That’s why you started to cultivate and express it every day.
8. Sleep more
Really how many hours do you sleep? Do you get enough sleep to allow your body and mind to rest? Research shows that even if you lose a few hours of sleep, your mood changes and your performance decreases.
Especially when you’re going through a difficult period, try not to lose your sleep. Have some deep breaths when you’re in bed. They will help you relax and relieve stress.
9. Help those around you
When you’re stressed, the last thing you definitely think about is how to help others. But if you push yourself a little and deal with the problems your neighbors may have, you’ll surely improve your mental health and well-being.
And believe me you will feel much more beautiful because you’ll have offered your help to someone who needed it and you’ll distract your attention from the problems of everyday life, which will seem insignificant to you.
The above article was based on information from research by Chris Rackliffe, a psychologist
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