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 great way to reduce the stress that you experience is to reduce your caffeine intake. A large intake of caffeine can increase the levels cortisol in your body. Cortisol is the stress hormone in your body that helps to regulate many things including weight gain, mood swings, heart disease and diabetes. By decreasing your caffeine intake, you will naturally decrease your stress levels.
To handle stress in your life, start by minimizing stress in your life. Something as simple as laying out your work clothing for the next day can give you a better start in the morning; it may give you a few extra minutes to relax as well, instead of running around looking for a stray shoe or favorite blue sweater.
Active meditation will nourish your spirit, improve your mood and help you find peace within yourself. Take the time to stop and clear the mind and deep breathe if only for a minute. It can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and relax the body as well as the spirit.
If you’re feeling stressed, try going for a massage. Getting a nice massage is a great way to have the physical tension worked out of your body. If your body is less physically tense, your mind can be less mentally tense. Massages are a great way to relax and forget about the world.
Saying “no” more often will actually reduce the stress caused by giving in to things you really didn’t want to be obligated to and keep you from having to do them! When you are already pressed for time throughout your day, so saying “no” to offers people make that you are not actually interested in will give you more control and definitely less stress!
Create your own affirmation; this is an upbeat, brief statement that you can use when you are feeling stressed. If you repeat this statement you can overcome your stress. Inform yourself that you’re capable of dealing with it, that you are calm, or whatever affirmations can help you feel better.
Is your stress level high? Go for a scenic ride! This will help keep your stress level down. Going for a scenic ride is a great way to unwind and to just enjoy nature. Feel the breeze on your face, enjoy the sunshine and see the clear blue sky. See the world while also keeping your stress levels down!
A great tip that can help you fight stress is to challenge the way that you think. Try to stop yourself whenever you’re thinking negative. Instead, try to think more positive in these situations. You’ll notice that you’ll feel much better about yourself and the events in your life.
Minimizing your exposure to the daily news will actually relieve you of some inadvertent stress. Even if you don’t realize it, watching a war on television, skyrocketing prices at the supermarket or neighborhood crime rates can really wear on your psyche. Every once in a while, especially when your stress levels are high, turn on a comedy or music instead of the news.
During the course of the day, try to consume at least eight glasses of water if you want to reduce the level of stress that you face. Water helps to reduce the amount of toxins in your body, which can make you feel fresher and more hydrated as the day wears on.
Your mind can easily become cluttered, which is a fast track to stress, if you attempt to think about more than one thing at a time. Instead of focusing on many things that you need to do, focus on only one at a time so you will be able to accomplish it easier.
A good tip to keep you from getting stressed out is to take breaks when you’re working on a difficult task. Forcing yourself to get something done might be a good intention but it’s not healthy. Taking the breaks you need will allow you to stay focused and thinking clearly.
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.
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.