Stress comes in all shapes and sizes, we shared how to spot stress in the article Stress: How to Spot It. But what if you already know you are stressed out? Sometimes you don’t realize how bad that stress truly is until you go for your annual check-up and your doctor tells you, you have high blood pressure, or some other health problem! The goal is to reduce stress early on.
Stress can cause your mind, body and soul some serious harm if you don’t control it. Let’s be honest, the thought of trying to manage stress can be stressful! The CGS Team is sharing 4 ways to instantly reduce your stress and get yourself back to a place of calm.
Log Off
Social media seems to be the root of everyone’s stress nowadays. Between watching a celebrity take a fantasy vacation, or lusting over your friend’s new house, social media brings unwanted pressure. This pressure to do, perform, or share your accomplishments can definitely be stressful.
Logging off and just having your mind be free from all of those distractions can instantly reduce your stress. Need another reason to log off? A person’s eyes can only take so much screen activity, from working with computers to constantly looking at your phone. Take a break from computers, iPads, and iPhones. Take up a new hobby, read a book, or call up a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Shutting off for a couple of hours will leave you feeling recharged.
Eat Right
Having a healthy diet has a major influence when trying to reduce stress in your life. Some foods cause health issues which can lead to you stressing out. If you are constantly eating junk foods (and skipping out on the gym), you’re likely gaining some weight. That alone is stressful! What’s worse?
Stress can cause belly fat, so you are doing yourself a double disservice. Be sure you have a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, and healthy carbohydrate-rich foods. Typically when we are stressed we go for comfort foods such as fatty foods that include salt, sugar, or caffeine. It’s important to avoid fatty foods when stressed because it can do much more harm than good.
Exercise
Exercising is the key to success stress reduction, or at least it’s one key in reducing stress! Medical doctors suggest working out to their patients who are stressed out because exercise reduces levels of stress hormones that the body creates. These “stress” hormones can wreak havoc on your health and body.
Not only does exercising help reduce stress, it can actually help you clear your mind for a while. If you are contemplating a big decision, head to the gym and see how you feel after the workout.
Get Rest
Everyone knows that the body needs rest. It’s important to set time aside towards the end of the day to “wind-down” and begin relaxing and preparing for bedtime. “A good night’s sleep allows you to tackle the day’s stress easier,” according to the Sleep Disorders Health Centre on www.webmd.com.
Sometimes a person can be too stressful to sleep which causes insomnia. Insomnia can be a sign that your stress and anxiety is out of control. If you realize you can’t get a good night’s sleep, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Stress can take a toll without you even realizing it. Be sure you are aware of the things that are causing you to stress out and remove them from your life, or moderate your use. It will not only make you feel better, but look better too! (Bye, bye belly fat). What do you find useful in reducing the stresses of your daily life? What are the signs and symptoms you show when you’re stressed out? Post a reply comment below to share your thoughts!
1 thought on “4 Ways to Reduce Stress”
I find that I’m constantly battling with stress. I have high standards for myself and give things pretty tight deadlines, which contributes to a high-stress work environment. I’m still trying to figure out the best ways to reduce my stress as much as possible. I’ve found that getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night helps me significantly.