Stress is part of life but sometimes it builds up and becomes a hindrance. It can make you feel unmotivated, tired, anxious, and downright moody when you don’t have your stress under control.
Too much of it can wreak havoc on your life and keep you from reaching your full potential. What’s most important is that you are proactive and recognize when it’s starting to increase and control you. Before it’s too late, learn about six ways to relieve stress in a healthy manner so you can get back to being your best self and feel relaxed and happy.
1. Get Plenty of Sleep
Lack of sleep could be a reason why you feel overwhelmed and anxious. When you’re tired you tend to struggle through your day and feel more stressed out. Relieve your stress in a healthy manner by getting plenty of sleep each night. You’ll feel so much better the next day and have more energy to tackle your to-do list. Get in the habit of having a relaxing bedtime routine that prepares you for sleep instead of playing on your electronics and stimulating your brain. Not only get enough sleep but also rest and take breaks when you need them to recharge.
2. Eat & Drink to Optimize Your Health
Pay attention to what you’re putting in your body when it comes to food and drink. You may want to go for alcohol in the evening hours when you want to unwind but this isn’t always the right answer or best solution. If you’re on anxiety medication already then you might really want to pump the breaks since mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol is dangerous. Instead, you should go for a cup of warm tea and eat a healthy dinner that offers nutritional value. Many foods can reduce anxiety and you’ll not only feel better but you’ll look great when you consume a healthy diet.
3. Try Deep Breathing & Guided Meditation
If you’re someone who’s always rushing around from one place to the next then it may be time to slow down. This schedule and amount of activity might be draining you and increasing your stress levels. Instead, take a step back, slow down, and do some deep breathing exercises along with partaking in a guided meditation. It’s a great way to stop racing thoughts in their tracks and will help clear your mind so you can think straight. There are many health benefits that come with meditating regularly and you can practice deep breathing exercises no matter where you are or what you’re doing during the day.
4. Stay Active
Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress in a healthy manner. Find physical activities that get your heart rate up and that you enjoy doing. Working out will keep you fit, help you maintain mental wellness, and you’ll feel calmer and less wound up when you’re finished exerting yourself and are in recovery mode. There are so many different workouts you can do depending on the season and your interests. For instance, you can go for a walk, run or hike outside, lift weights, swim or bike, or run around with your kids in the backyard. The key is to stay active and try to avoid sitting for long periods. If you have a sedentary job or lifestyle currently then it’s wise to make moving more daily a goal of yours.
5. Talk it Out or Journal
Talking through your worries or problems helps you get them off your chest and out into the open. Relieve stress in a healthy manner by opening up to a friend, family member, or therapist and letting them in regarding what’s on your mind. Sometimes you just need someone to listen to make you feel better. If you don’t want to talk about your problems then consider journaling your thoughts and writing down what you’re thinking so you can begin to process it and problem solve.
6. Commit to Having A Greater Work-Life Balance
Working too many hours can become exhausting and lead to a lot of unwanted stress. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to have a greater work-life balance. Set boundaries and ask for help from others when you need it to ensure you don’t spread yourself too thin. Make time for hobbies and self-care so that you can stay and be well throughout the workweek. Work will always be there but if you neglect your health you may struggle to perform to the best of your ability and reach your career aspirations.
7. Regular Health Exams
Regular health exams are vital for maintaining optimal health and effectively relieving stress. Screenings identify any potential health issues early, providing timely interventions or prevention measures if required. These assessments consist of numerous tests such as cardiovascular screenings, bone density checks, blood pressure measurements and more.
A hearing test, an integral component of these assessments, are indispensable in monitoring auditory health, preventing potential hearing loss, and providing early treatment should any be necessary. Proactive health management allows you to take charge of your health, relieving anxiety associated with unanticipated medical issues. Through regular evaluations, individuals can identify risk factors and make lifestyle changes that promote improved well-being and peace of mind. Remember, managing your health doesn’t only involve fixing problems after they arise but preventing issues in the first place!
