We all know that feeling. You're stuck in traffic, your boss is on your back, and your deadlines are looming.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out and it often gets to the point of helplessness.
But is the effect of stress inevitable? Well, not really.
Any problem has a solution and in this article, we've got some tips for you to help relieve some of that stress!
Check out our top ways to de-stress below.
Why Is Stress Bad In The First Place?
Stress and cortisol can have detrimental effects on both the mind and the body.
Prolonged stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol, which buffers the immune function and recovery of the body.
This, in turn, can cause a host of problems including decreased cognitive function, weight gain, and an increased risk for chronic diseases.
Additionally, stress can be a major contributor to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
All in all, there is nothing good about chronic stress, so if it gets to the point where it feels off, it's time to do something about it!
How To Relieve Stress
Stress is a normal part of life. It can be good for you in moderation, or it can cause serious problems if it becomes chronic.
How stress affects your health depends on the type and how often it occurs, and what other factors are present in your life such as age, gender, and family history.
And though stress feels overwhelming and unresolvable, at the moment, there are ways to deal with it so that it does not feel overwhelming.
Here are our 3 best ways to deal with it!
#1 Mindfulness
There’s a lot of talk these days about mindfulness and its benefits for reducing stress.
But what is mindfulness, exactly? And how can it help you to manage stress more effectively?
Mindfulness is the practice of becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, without judging them as good or bad.
When you’re mindful, you focus on the here and now instead of letting your mind wander and create stories for what you or your situations are/aren't.
This can help you to stay in control during stressful situations, and to deal with problems more effectively.
We place this at #1 because it is the most important part - Stay aware of your thoughts, especially the intrusive ones!
#2 Exercise
Many people think that exercise is just a way to lose weight or tone up. And while it helps you do those things, it also serves as an excellent stress reliever.
Exercise causes endorphins to be released into the bloodstream which helps fight depression and anxiety.
It also releases natural pain killers in the brain.
Besides, exercise can reduce feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration too!
All of these benefits make exercising worth your time and effort so you can start feeling better TODAY!
And it doesn’t have to mean grueling weighted workouts - Go hike, go out for a jog, skip, cycle, do some bodyweight exercises.
Just move.
#3 Socializing
Stress is caused by many factors, such as work, school, or family problems.
It's very important to find ways to relieve stress, and socializing is one of the best ways to do that.
Because when you socialize, you see that you are not the only person who is stressed and get to share/communicate your struggles with other people, while they do the same.
Besides, socializing means you also get a chance to relax and have fun.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, stressed out, or just need to take a break, we hope this list of the three best ways to relieve stress will help.
From getting active to spending time with friends and family, there are plenty of options for finding peace and quiet.