Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Exercise- Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress.It might seem contradictory, but putting physical stress on your body through exercise can relieve mental stress.

Reduce your caffeine intakeCaffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks. High doses can increase anxiety

Write it down-One way to handle stress is to write things down.While recording what you’re stressed about is one approach, another is jotting down what you’re grateful for. Gratitude may help relieve stress and anxiety by focusing your thoughts on what’s positive in your life.

Spend time with friends and family– Social support from friends and family can help you get through stressful times. Being part of a friend network gives you a sense of belonging and self-worth, which can help you in tough times.

Laugh-It’s hard to feel anxious when you’re laughing. It’s good for your health, and there are a few ways it may help relieve stress:Relieving your stress response.Relieving tension by relaxing your muscles.

Learn to say no– Not all stressors are within your control, but some are.Take control over the parts of your life that you can change and are causing you stress.One way to do this may be to say “no” more often.

Learn to avoid procrastination-Another way to take control of your stress is to stay on top of your priorities and stop procrastinating. Procrastination can lead you to act reactively, leaving you scrambling to catch up. This can cause stress, which negatively affects your health and sleep quality

Take a yoga classYoga has become a popular method of stress relief and exercise among all age groups. While yoga styles differ, most share a common goal — to join your body and mind.Yoga primarily does this by increasing body and breath awareness.

Practice mindfulness -Mindfulness describes practices that anchor you to the present moment. It can help combat the anxiety-inducing effects of negative thinking

Listen to soothing music-Listening to music can have a very relaxing effect on the body. Slow-paced instrumental music can induce the relaxation response by helping lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as stress hormones.

Deep breathing– Mental stress activates your sympathetic nervous system, signaling your body to go into “fight-or-flight” mode. During this reaction, stress hormones are released and you experience physical symptoms such as a faster heartbeat, quicker breathing and constricted blood vessels. Deep breathing exercises can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the relaxation response.

Spend time with your pet-Having a pet may help reduce stress and improve your mood. Interacting with pets may help release oxytocin, a brain chemical that promotes a positive mood

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