3 Tips for Stress Management
Stress impacts everyone, and it impacts everyone differently. While life sometimes happens too fast, one thing you can control is your stress management.
“Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun—and the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.” – HelpGuide
Tip #1
We know you hear it all the time, but we mean it! Exercise! According to WebMD, exercise can help improve sleep, better your mood, and help you lead a happier and healthier life. Exercise stimulates the production of chemicals in the brain called endorphins. If your body is lacking endorphins, it is most common that you could experience depression, anxiety, and moodiness. Besides working out, eating dark chocolate, dancing, having a glass of wine, or eating something spicy can also boost endorphin levels and naturally lower stress levels.
Tip #2
Alone time. Remember to take time for yourself and learn to say ‘no’ sometimes to ensure that happens.
“Studies show the ability to tolerate alone time has been linked to increased happiness, better life satisfaction, and improved stress management. People who enjoy alone time experience less depression.” – Forbes
When life gets hectic it can be easy to lose yourself. Spending time in solitude gives you time to focus on yourself, your interests, what truly brings you joy, and also gives you a mental pause from social interaction. By hitting the reset button, managing stress may feel easier and less like a chore.
Tip #3
Stress and sleep have been known to be directly related. Sleep supports a healthy brain and allows for us to recharge our bodies. Good sleep can boost your immune system, strengthen your heart, and improve memory. By creating a regulated sleep schedule, tackling the day’s stress is easier and more manageable.
“Adults who sleep fewer than eight hours a night are more likely to report symptoms of stress in the past month, such as feeling irritable or angry, than adults who sleep more than eight hours a night (45 percent vs. 32 percent of adults); feeling overwhelmed (40 percent vs. 27 percent); lacking interest, motivation or energy (42 percent vs. 30 percent); losing patience or yelling at their children (52 percent vs. 27 percent); losing patience or yelling at their spouse or partner (50 percent vs. 36 percent); and skipping exercise (41 percent vs. 33 percent).” – American Psychological Association
Resources
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm#
https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins#natural-boosts
https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management
https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2018/09/the-benefits-of-getting-a-full-night-sleep/