Most people experience stress on a routine basis, be it in the workplace, home, college or school. But if you ignore stress, it can lead to anxiety and depression as well as many other health issues. If you have a chronic disease, stress can worsen your condition. We can’t altogether avoid stress, but we can deal with. Here are some simple tips that can prevent stress from getting the better of you.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine: Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that can increase stress levels. Alcohol can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks. So when stressed, try to avoid these stimulants or at least, reduce consumption. Drinking distilled water, herbal teas, or diluted natural fresh juices will keep you hydrated and help you to cope with stress.
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep could be the reason for your stress. If you are looking to handle your stress, getting a good night sleep is very important. Try taking a warm bath, turn off the TV, and either dim your lights and relax before going bed by read a calming, undemanding book for a few minutes to relax your mind and body. Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep at night so that you wake up feeling fresh and energetic.
- Engage in physical activity: To keep yourself fit and healthy, make exercise a part of your daily routine. A brisk walk in the fresh air when you are feeling stressed is a good method to manage the condition. Activities like walking, swimming and yoga are also good options to deal stress.
- Maintain a positive attitude: Try to focus on things that you can do well and make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. There are some things that you cannot change, so learn how to respond in the right way.
- Appreciate yourself: Do your best and be proud of your achievements. Don’t worry about perfection-if you have not reached the perfection you wanted, be happy with the closest you can accomplish.
- Breathe deeply and relax: One of the best ways to reduce your stress levels is by doing breathing exercises. This will help relax your body and mind. Inhale and exhale slowly when you are feeling stressed out. Experts say that deep breathing offsets the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
- Talk openly to someone whom you trust: Confiding in someone you can trust can relieve your stress. Discussing your problems can release some of the built-up tension and distract you from your stressful thoughts.
- Humor is important: Studies say that laughing releases “happiness hormones” which decreases cortisol and adrenaline levels, and reduces the level of stress hormones.
