Stress is an unfortunate aspect of our daily lives. For our ancestors, stress was a survival skill for the many life-threatening situations that arose on a daily basis. But in today's modern age, the constant stress we face from our work and home life has become a health concern. If left untreated, stress can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, obesity, depression and Alzheimer's disease. Here are some simple techniques to take control of your stress.
1. Acknowledge your feelings of stress
The first step in finding relief is to recognize that you have feelings of stress or sadness. Then tell yourself that these feelings are normal and that it is okay to experience these emotions. By doing this, you can stop focusing only on the emotion, giving you a chance to find solutions.
2. Take time for yourself
If you feel the effects of stress, there is a good chance that you are not performing optimally. And pushing yourself beyond your limits is not good. Even taking just 15 minutes of “me time” to refocus will give you a new look. Whether it's finding a quiet corner to read, practicing mindfulness, meditating, or taking a short walk, it takes some time for yourself to reduce stress.
3. Set limits Setting boundaries is critical not only for your emotional well-being, but also for your physical and mental well-being. Saying yes to every request or invitation will leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Learn to say no to demanding requests that affect your time or obligations that demand too much of you. While this can be difficult to do, remember that saying no allows you to say yes to the things that really make you happy.
4. Practice healthy habits Work commitments alongside family obligations barely provide enough time to eat and sleep – let alone make time for exercise or a visit to the gym. But your well-being should be one of your priorities every day. Without sleep, exercise, proper nutrition and a healthy work-life balance, feelings of stress and depression can take over. Take at least 15 minutes (30 minutes is ideal) to exercise every day. Whether enjoying your favorite yoga class or taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood, the stress-relieving effects of daily exercise will energize you and improve your mood.
5. Become a volunteer
Finding time to volunteer can be overwhelming, but the rewards can do wonders for your happiness levels. Studies have shown that people who volunteer are happier than those who don't. If you don't have enough time to do a big volunteer project, remember that little things make a difference and benefit both you and the person you're doing it for.
6. Find support
Sometimes all we need is someone to talk to. Find a trusted friend, co-worker, or family member to talk through the stressors. However, if, despite your best efforts, you are still feeling anxious, overwhelmed or experiencing any indication of depression, please contact your doctor.
