Repetitive tasks, packed routines, deadlines, etc. can quickly lead anyone to become stressed. The situation, however, is no help at all as it only reduces productivity and causes damage to physical and mental health. Let us look at some ways to help combat stress and work towards living a happier life.
Top 15 Proven Ways to Reduce Stress
1. Exercise
Exercise may seem like an additional stressor. However, exercise is an excellent stress reliever. Exercise lowers cortisol. Cortisol is the chemical responsible for stress that makes the human body ready for fight or flight situations. It also releases endorphins which as more commonly known as ‘happy chemicals’.
2. Reduce Caffeine
Coffee is often the go-to drink when stressed. Caffeine is found in coffee and energy drinks. We think caffeine helps with stress. The truth is far from it. Caffeine increases anxiety. It often makes people jittery or anxious.
3. Spend Time With Your Loved Ones
Psychologically, friends and family play a part in one’s primary appraisal. They are called one’s ‘social support’. This term has been coined for a valid reason. Spending time with family and friends boosts optimism and uplifts one’s mood. It gives them a sense of belonging and confidence. Equipped with these positive times, it gives peace to our minds.
4. Laugh
Sounds quite obvious, isn’t it? Laughing instantly uplifts mood. Scientifically, laughing has shown better capabilities to cope up with stress. It relaxes tensed muscles and immediately releases hormones serotonin and endorphins. Watching a funny telly show or simply smiling at peers is an excellent way of reducing pressure.
5. Deep Breathing
Taking a step back from stressful situations is crucial. Physically and metaphorically, pausing for a moment to breath is vital. Deep breaths in regular fashion help clear the mind. It enables one to think better and more clearly, subsequently allowing them to deal with it better.
6. Spend Time With Nature
Modern-day problems have consumed our lives. We have forgotten the presence of nature amongst these concrete jungles. Every once in a while it is essential to detach from our regular lives and surround ourselves with nature. The fresh air clears out one’s mind and gives a brand new perspective on life.
7. Listen To Music
Listening to music distracts the brain. It is an extremely effective stress reliever. Listening to the tunes with no relevant lyrics has a positive impact too.
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8. Be Mindful
To be mindful means to focus only on the situation at hand. To be mindful one must live only in the present. The worries of the future should be left for the future. The problems of the past should be left in the past. Being mindful and living only in the present relieves from stress.
9. Do Not Overburden Yourself
Only take work that is not beyond your means. Going out of your way to help others is an additional stressor. Learn to pick the work that you’re capable of only if you’re equipped with adequate time and resources.
10. Schedule And Time Management
Value your time and plan ahead! Being organized and efficient with your time is a major stress reducer. Just knowing that you’re equipped with time and all resources helps you work better on tasks at hand.
11. Avoid Procrastination
Falling into habits like laziness is hard to overcome. Procrastination is the greatest stressor. Working on the task well before its due is the best way to avoid last moment stress.
12. Write Your Stressors
Although writing down your problems may not help you to solve them, they definitely help you look at them critically. Writing in a diary, journaling, or simply texting a friend are excellent ways to cope with stress.
13. Get Adequate Sleep
When facing a gruesome deadline, or the night before an exam, sleeping often seems out of the question. This is, in practice, wrong. Getting even a few hours of sleep increases productivity and improves the mood.
14. Maintain A Hobby
A simple hobby such as painting, and reading uplifts one’s mood and productivity. A hobby is the most effective way to distract yourself from life stressors.
15. Practise Self-care
Put yourself and your own mental health before anything else. Take a day off from work when it is overwhelming. Say no to any extra work that comes your way. Occasionally indulge yourself and splurge on buying things that call out to you. A balanced mind can never be stressed!
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