There’s not a single person on earth without stress. Stress is as natural as breathing, whether it’s a major crisis or some minor issue. That’s why we need to learn how to deal with it.
Stress is part of everyone’s lives, and there’s no escaping it. Even the happiest people on the planet have it in their lives.
The body’s ability to experience stress isn’t bad, but it can become toxic if you don’t handle it correctly. The best way to manage stress is to analyze it calmly. There will always be stress in your life, so it’s up to you to learn how to deal with stress and get rid of it.
So what can you do to manage it? Try these tips:
1. Do some physical exercise. While it might seem contradictory to combat stress with physical exercise, exerting your body can help you deal with mental stress. You’ve probably realized that people with a good exercise routine are healthier and happier.
- Exercise can relieve brain fog, relieve stress, and help you feel more in control of your emotions. A good exercise routine can also support quality sleep, a fundamental for stress management.
- To begin exercising, you might try taking a 30-minute walk in the evening or attending a karate lesson. Then, stick to it for at least four weeks.
- You’ll find that the positive effects on your health, mind, and mood will make exercising a regular part of your routine.
2. Focus on your breathing. A simple task like focusing on your breathing can quickly calm you down. Focus on breathing in and out. Count how many seconds it takes for one inhalation and exhalation.
- At first, this might sound like an easy goal. But you may be surprised that it can be difficult to concentrate on your breathing. However, it gets easier the more you practice.
- The best thing about breathing is how you can do it by yourself. It won’t bother you if people are around because they won’t know what you’re doing.
3. Limit the amount of caffeine you ingest. Drinks like coffee are causes of stress for most people. Caffeine has a stimulant effect that creates anxiety for some and causes them to feel jittery.
- Instead of drinking coffee, try drinking green tea in the morning or herbal tea at night. The herbs in tea have calming properties, helping you relax and fall asleep.
- And although you may feel tempted to drink several cups of coffee during the day, ensure that you do so in moderation.
4. Spend time with your family and close friends. Your social support system can have a major positive effect, helping you deal with your stress. If you don’t currently surround yourself with loving and supportive people, reach out to them and build stronger connections with them.
- A research study found that when women (especially) spent more time with their children and close friends, that bond released oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that promotes feelings of calm and relaxation.
- That does not mean women are the only people who benefit from spending time with their loved ones. Men also experience similar health benefits when they spend time with their spouses, children, and friends.
Managing stress is about building solid relationships with those around you. It involves putting your needs aside for the needs of others.
Also, remember that physical exercise is a great way to reduce stress, which can help you build and maintain healthy relationships with the people you love. Let this circle of positivity work for you!