Ever since the pandemic hit the world, people have been more stressed than before. While every individual has their triggers, stress and anxiety are silent killers if not curbed on time. Whether it is work, family issues, relationships, or financial obligations–stress is a chronic illness that feeds other lifestyle diseases. Hence, it is important to identify stressors and undertake stress management steps to calm the body and mind.
From minor setbacks to major crises, stress is a part of life. While we cannot always control stressful circumstances, there are some stress management strategies designed to effectively reduce the intensity of your response.
7 basic ways to beat stress:
1. Get moving
Among the different types of stress management methods, one that has proven the most effective is getting enough fresh air. Whether it is a high-intensity workout or a leisurely walk in the park, a change of scenery will divert the mind and ultimately calm you down. If you’re having a hectic day at work or want to take a break after a tiff with your partner, take a walk to revitalise your mind and body.
2. Meditation
An undervalued form of exercise, meditation when practised regularly has innumerable health benefits. One of them being stress management. Meditating involves following mindful practices and being present in the moment. There are plenty of different forms of meditation, find what works best for you and set aside 10 minutes of the day to take slow deep breaths as an aura of peace envelopes your mind.
If the pandemic in any way has triggered your stress, check out House Arrest Or Me Time: Coping With Stress Through COVID-19.
3. Eat healthily
When you feed your body, you also feed your mind. Fill it with junk and processed foods or a healthy diet, it’s your call. We often tend to overeat under stressful situations. Moreover, a deficiency of magnesium and vitamin B can trigger mood swings that fuel stress and anxiety. Among the best stress management strategies, eating healthy and in a timely manner helps improve our resilience to combat stressful situations.
4. Self care
When it comes to developing stress management skills, self-care tops it all. Make yourself and your health a priority, even if it comes at a cost. And when we say self-care, we mean following your passions, taking a vacation, or spending a day getting pampered at a spa. Self-care should not be complicated, it should bring you happiness and improve your quality of life.
Among these, music therapy has shown exceptional results in reducing stress. Here are 8 Ways To De-stress With Music Therapy At Home.
5. Reduce screen time
In a world that is driven by technology, screens have taken over our lives, relationships, and personal space. While completely cutting off screen time can be difficult especially as business becomes digital, it is important to limit your time on mobile phones and laptops. Excessive screen time has adverse effects on sleep cycles that trigger stress. Start with an hour of no-screen time, during which you can pursue a hobby, play with your pet or spend time in nature.
6. Bond with friends and family
Sometimes what medicine cannot cure, love can. One of the best stress management tips to follow is appreciating and spending time with your loved ones. Having a support group that consists of close friends and family is a great stress buster. After a long day, plan an evening out with friends as you laugh out all your worries. Ask your family for a hug, it’s the cheapest stress reliever on the market and it’ll lift your spirits as nothing else can.
7. Practice gratitude
To reduce stress, techniques that inculcate a positive outlook towards life can benefit you in the long run. The simple exercise of practising gratitude will remind you how blessed you are and the resources you have to cope with stressors. You can make a gratitude journal and jot down three things you are thankful for, every day. What starts as a journaling exercise will slowly turn into a positive habit.
Stress is unavoidable. However, acquiring stress management skills to cope with difficult situations can make life more wholesome and rewarding.