10 ways to reduce stress
Stress is a common problem that many people face in their daily lives. It can affect your mood, health, and performance. There are many ways to reduce stress, but not all of them are effective or healthy. One of the main points to remember when reducing or dealing with stress is that life is not supposed to be 100% stress free. Stress can help you achieve deadlines, work through unpleasant tasks and prioritize.
Moderation is the key.
Most common negative stress is caused by things we can’t affect ourselves. It causes you feel powerless and like a feather in the wind. That is the time to take control on the thing you can decide. Even though they won’t necessarily remove your stressor or solve your problem they will give you a sense of empowerment and accomplishment.
1 Be active
Exercise can help you release tension, improve your mood, and boost your self-esteem. It can also lower your blood pressure, strengthen your heart, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. You don’t have to do it all at once or even an hour at a time. Don’t take stress over that. Recent studies have found that micro exercises, short intense bursts of 5-10min workouts are equally effective than working out an hour at a time. As long as you have them more often.
2 Take control
Feeling helpless or overwhelmed can increase your stress levels. Instead of avoiding or ignoring your problems, try to find solutions that work for you. Taking action can help you regain a sense of control and confidence. You can also seek help from others if you need support. Control the things you can, organize your closet, sort out the photo albums, delete old pictures and blurry videos from your phone, clean your home or just one room. Prep meals for the coming days or bake something. This will give you a sense of control of your life and a clean house or delish food to eat.
3 Connect with people
Having a good social network can help you cope with stress and provide emotional support. Talking to someone who understands and cares can also help you see things from a different perspective and find new ways to deal with challenges. You can also join a group or community that shares your interests or values.
4 Have some "me time"
Taking time for yourself can help you relax and recharge your energy. You can do something that you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, gardening, or playing a game. You can also try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Watch a movie or have a spa day to yourself. If your idea of good time is watching Friends reruns and drinking tea then do that.
5 Challenge yourself
Learning new skills or taking on new responsibilities can help you grow and improve your self-esteem. It can also make you more resilient and adaptable to change. You can set yourself realistic and achievable goals and celebrate your progress. You can also try something fun and creative, such as writing a poem, painting a picture, or learning a new language. The internet is full of free resources that will give you quick rewards. Learning a language might take more than two months but lettering and calligraphy is a quick and impressive skill to master for next time you need to write greeting cards.
6 Avoid unhealthy habits
Some people may use alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or drugs to cope with stress, but these substances can actually worsen your stress levels and harm your health in the long term. They can also interfere with your sleep quality, mood, and concentration. Instead of relying on these crutches, try to find healthier ways to deal with stress.
7 Help other people
Helping others can make you feel good about yourself and increase your sense of purpose and belonging. It can also reduce your isolation and loneliness. You can volunteer for a cause that you care about, do a favor for a friend or neighbor, or donate to a charity.
8 Work smarter, not harder
Managing your time and workload effectively can help you reduce stress and achieve your goals. You can prioritize your tasks according to their importance and urgency, and focus on the ones that make the most difference. You can also delegate or outsource some tasks if possible, and learn to say no to unreasonable demands.
Learn to use habit trackers and calendars which work the best for your needs. So a cold hard no to social media while getting a job done.
9 Accept the things you cannot change
Some sources of stress are beyond your control, such as natural disasters, accidents, or illnesses. Trying to change these things can only frustrate you and waste your energy. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of these situations, try to focus on the positive ones, such as the opportunities for learning, growth, or gratitude. You don’t need to push your frustration and negative feelings aside. Instead sit with them, embrace them and own them.
10 Seek professional help
If you feel overwhelmed by stress and unable to cope with it on your own, you may benefit from seeking professional help from a doctor, therapist, or counselor. They can help you identify the causes of your stress and provide you with effective strategies to manage it. They can also diagnose and treat any underlying mental or physical health problems that may be contributing to your stress.
