If you’ve ever been under stress, you know that uncomfortable feeling that comes along with it. That feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach comes along with stress every time. If you ever want to stop having that feeling, you’re going to have to learn to deal with stress. Here are a few ways to do that.
A journal can help reduce stress. All it takes is a pen and paper and a few minutes to write down whatever is bothering you. Often just getting it out on paper puts things in a better perspective. Writing about our problems releases emotions that may otherwise be pent up, thus increasing our stress levels. Furthermore, seeing our problems on paper can sometimes allow us to see possible solutions to our problems.
Use lists for remembering things instead of depending only on your memory to give yourself a little bit of a break throughout the day. When we are overwhelmed with stress it’s harder to remember everything we need to take care of, so prepare for all that your day holds by making a list. Not only will the lack of having to recall details spare you stress but it will save you time as well!
A great tip that can help you keep your stress levels down is to go outside for a walk. Taking a walk can do wonders for you if you’re feeling a little stressed out. You’ll be taking in fresh air as you’re out and about, seeing the world.
Learn how to breath fully using your diaphragm. As practice, breath through your nose, and watch your belly increase in size. Hold the breath for a few seconds before releasing. These deep breaths fully oxygenate your blood, relaxing you quite quickly! In fact, it’s been found that the opposite, short breathes, can speed up your heart beat, tighten your muscles and increase your stress!
One great way to relieve stress is to do exercise. Exercising not only keeps you in shape and physically healthy, but mentally healthy as well. By taking your mind off your problems while you exercise, you just might be able to solve them subconsciously, because you’ve taken time to refresh your mind and body.
Even a harmless pastime can be stressful when done to excess. Things that can distract you for hours upon hours at a time like video games can actually cause you stress because you become distracted from giving your body the proper food or sleep it needs. Time spent on these activities cut into your time for other things, like sleeping or preparing a healthy meal.
Although it may seem incredibly silly, the very act of counting to ten slowly can really help you to clear your head and allow you to move past the stress. If you think that there is no way that this could help you out, you should give it a try.
If you feel like you are chronically stressed out or upset than you should consider introducing exercise into your routine. Many people swear by running for stress relief but any kind of heavy exercise will help you to free your mind and will also increase your fitness level at the same time!
Take some time out of your life to sit down and read about stress. Many times when you understand exactly how something works it allows you to be able to handle it much better. When you understand the psychology of stress, you should be better equipped to avoid it when it comes around.
Exercise to relieve stress. If you find that you are under stress from your job or personal situation, regular exercise can help you feel better. Taking a long walk, going to the gym, dancing or doing yoga are all forms of exercise that can help you feel less stressed.
Stop smoking. Smoking is often a reaction to stress. When stressed people actively seek out chemicals and activities that they perceive as providing relief. Tobacco contains nicotine and it is a powerful addictive chemical. Smoking also keeps your hands occupied, something your mind sometimes pushes you to do when you are stressed.
To avoid the stress that comes with forgetting something, write everything down. Get a notebook application for your phone, or carry a small pad of paper around with you. Make grocery lists, to do lists, or even notes of things you want to mention to people the next time you talk. Keeping track of what you want to accomplish will ensure that you’re able to achieve it.
Use these tips as a starting point; use them to start dealing with stress in a way that is healthy and positive. By handling stress this way, you’ll be able to lessen the effect stress has on you, including that sinking feeling. Take control of yourself and stress will diminish.