According to Wikipedia stress is a feeling of emotional strain and pressure. But I feel, stress is how our mind responds to a particular situation or responsibility. Stress happens naturally in our body. People experience two types of stress. positive stress like planning a holiday or negative stress like the death of a loved one. There can be many causes of stress. like studies, relationships, jobs, or even all of them combine.
Stress affects everyone differently. It can vary from a mild headache to severe depression and anxiety. Too much stress can also lead to obesity, higher risks of heart disease or even premature death.
Effective stress management will give you a better happier life. So, for anyone who is feeling down, I have compiled a list of tips on how to cope up with stress which even I use for a healthy lifestyle.
EXERCISE AND MEDITATION–
Starting with a simple walk of 20 minutes every day, exercising regularly helps to increase blood circulation in the body. This flushes out the stress hormones from the body. Doing yoga also helps to lower the blood pressure.
Meditation for even 10 minutes daily helps to calm your muscles and also helps to reduce your anxiety. Sit comfortably in a room. Put on a piece of soothing music or any powerful mantra and do simple breathing. It will relax your mind and body and will bring you peace.
START ENJOYING LIFE-
There’s nothing better than going out with your loved ones and rant about everything on your head. You can also take part in volunteering programs. It will keep your mind occupied.
If you prefer staying at home, then open your Netflix and start chilling. Watch any rom-com movie which will make you laugh. You can also watch any motivational speech on how to keep yourself moving.
And if you have a pet, then you have your best companion. Start bonding with your pet. Go for walks, cuddle with them and it will soothe you.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE-
Self-medicating with alcohol, cigarettes or even caffeine will never help you. It might give you temporary relief, but it harms your health eventually giving you more stress in the long term.
A healthy balanced diet will nourish your body and will help to cope up with your stress. start your day with the right breakfast that will keep you moving throughout the day. Your meal should contain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins to keep you energetic. drink a lot of water. And never miss any meals. An empty stomach can give u a bad mood.
A recent study shows that eating dark chocolates also reduces stress hormones and keeps you healthy.
4A’S (AVOID, ALTER, ADAPT, ACCEPT)-
Avoid- avoid those situations or even people who stress you out. Learn to say no and avoid unnecessary stress. make a to-do list and keep updating it.
Alter- if you can’t avoid, then alter by changing the way you react. If something is bothering you then share it.
Adapt- if you have to work with those people then adapt to their nature and make yourself strong.
Accept- if you can’t change it, then accept the situation and move on. Take challenges positively and grow with them.
SLEEP ENOUGH-
Sleeping for 7-8 hrs restores and rejuvenates the body and mind. it
improves concentration and also regulates your mood. Good sleep helps your body
to repair itself. If stress is keeping you awake then start with mindful
meditation and exercises.
CONCLUSION
Don’t forget to keep smiling. Let go of the past. Laughing relieves tension and relaxes your muscles. And never feel shy going to a counsellor for help. A counsellor can be anyone who supports you and listens to you. Where you feel free and relaxed. You can also start noting everything down. It is another way for you to analyze the causes of your stress. it helps to declutter your mind and gives clear thinking. Start developing a hobby which makes you happy and relaxed. See what you enjoy doing like reading, solving puzzles, cooking, etc.
Lastly, remember everyone has their issues. We need to realize that the problems are not in our hands, they are a part of life. But what we have is the ability to face everything positively and strongly. So, stay strong and never give up.
