Stress can be one of the most paralyzing forces in our lives, making us so anxious and uptight about the overwhelming sense of responsibility to work, family, and social obligations that actually being productive about it becomes nearly impossible. What’s worse is how it affects us emotionally and physically, manifesting itself in the way of migraines, ulcers, high blood pressure, and various other awful repercussions. If you’re feeling stressed, read on for nine suggestions on how to beat the culprit.
9 Ways to Beat Stress
- Exercise – Beat that tension by working it out of your body and releasing negative energy with some basic exercise. Go for a swim, get in a quick run, take a class, or just take 20 minutes to work out at home. Just a short break will help relieve your stress. Here are some home workouts you can try.
- Yoga – There are some pretty great benefits to yoga, including the physical release the stretching and breathing allows. But it also allows you to think in a more peaceful manner. Do a few sequences at home or even at your desk. Here are some easy beginner’s yoga poses.
- Meditation – Meditation is simpler than it sounds and will only take a few minutes from your day. Whether in the morning, evening, or in the middle of a rough afternoon, find a quiet place, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Check out this intro to meditation to get started.
- Take a Walk – Sometimes it helps just to get outside, change the scenery and breathe some fresh air. Get out and change your perspective for a bit.
- Make Lists – Anxiety and stress sometimes come from the overwhelming amount of things we carry with us on our minds. Sometimes getting those worries out on paper can be incredibly relieving. Keep a small notebook with you and jot down the things you just can’t seem to get off your mind. Cross them off once you accomplish them or as soon as they’re no longer relevant for a very satisfying checkmark.
- Take Action – Stress and anxiety also develop when we’re postponing things we know we should be doing, whether for lack of time or simple motivation. Take even a small step toward getting that pending project done and you’ll realize the immediate relief that comes with it. Here are some ways to manage your time better and allow for more productive action.
- Get Enough Sleep – Resting your mind and body are crucial to mental health. Make sure to shut off your phone, tablet or laptop at least one hour before bedtime for the best sleep. Here’s a list of other things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep.
- Eat Well – Keep a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to stay healthy and help beat the harmful effects of stress. There are very real, physical consequences to being tense and anxious. Treat your body well to counteract those effects. Here are some delicious recipes to get you going.
- Pamper Yourself – Sometimes the best you can do to alleviate your stress is to treat yourself to a little pampering. Get a massage, if you have the time, or indulge in a quick manicure. A brief bit of self-love can do wonders for your state of mind. Here are some ideas to get you started.
How do you beat stress? What are some of your favorite methods?
