Stress can be demotivating. It can cause health problems and different problems in everyday life. Our bodies will all handle stress differently, however there are recognised ways in which everyone can try and de-stress.
Stress occurs when you feel under pressure. Lots of things can cause stress; work, family, school and relationships can all contribute to your stress levels. Small bursts of stress can sometimes be seen as motivating and can help give you a good amount of energy. However, too much stress can quickly become too difficult to manage and leave you feeling burnout and overwhelmed.
Keeping your stress at bay will improve your overall quality of life. Although there is no quick fix for getting rid of unwanted stress, there are definitely things and activities that you can do that will help keep you stress-free for longer.
Below are some easy ways that you can start to de-stress in your everyday life.
Meditation
Some people may not know how easy meditation is. Meditation can be practised by everyone, beginners and experts. Many people can meditate in different ways depending on how they choose to practise this and their stress-levels.
Meditation doesn’t need to take a large portion of your time at all – even 20-30 minutes of your day can help boost your mood and give you a stress-free outlet.
Examples of meditation, or meditative activities, that you can practise include:
- Yoga
- Using a diffuser with relaxing scents
- Gentle stretches
When looking to meditate try to make your environment as relaxing as possible. Calming music, nice scents and a dimness is usually great. Making your surroundings as relaxing will help you take a few minutes to yourself without having to worry about your stress or worries.
Exercise
Exercise can be enjoyed in a whole range of different ways. Getting regular exercise can help maintain your stress levels and keep them at bay. Using your stress can help you get the most out of your exercise routines, particularly aerobic exercises.
Aerobic exercises can be great stress-busters as they will increase your heart rate. By elevating your heart rate, endorphins will be released to your brain which can help you feel good.
Different aerobic exercises are easy to fit into your daily routine:
- Jogging or running can be great in encouraging the release of your endorphins
- Swimming is not only a good full-body workout, but is also amazing for soothing you
- Dancing to your favourite music, or along to a dance workout online, can be a fun way to engage your body and mind in a stress-relieving way
Sleep
Sleeping can actually be a great stress reliever. Many people find that if they are overly stressed they can sometimes find trouble in actually falling asleep. This is because our brains will still be thinking about the trigger of your stress.
Switching off in order to sleep can be harder to do if you are stressed or anxious. Developing a sleep routine can help you fall asleep at night, as it gives your body and mind time to switch off and properly relax. It is recommended that you develop a good sleep routine and start winding down at least an hour or two before you plan on actually sleeping. Avoid stimulants (such as caffeine and sugary snacks), switch your phone off and reduce any harsh lighting.
Getting enough sleep during the night can also massively help reduce your stress levels. Aim for around 7-8 hours of sleep as this will help stimulate your brain during the day, as well as allowing you to get a good amount of rest ready for the day ahead. Make sure your room is cool and dark, as changes in temperature and light can disrupt your sleeping pattern.
Writing your thoughts down
Journalling and list making are simple but very effective ways to help manage your stress. Writing, which can be anything, can help relieve stress by helping you combat any negative and intrusive thoughts that may be playing on your mind.
Try making a list of everything you have been worrying about before going to bed. This is a simple way of offloading all of your thoughts and clearing them from your head. If you find this isn’t as effective and you’re still stressed, have a go at writing a short list of everything that you will need to do in the upcoming days that are causing you stress. Not only will you be making a clear vision of how to combat your stress, but you are also clearing your brain in time for a good night’s sleep.