September 16, 2019
Stressed out? 6 Ways to Reduce Stress Now
Whether driving in traffic, working throughout the day, thinking about money, debt, retirement, health, family, relationships, deadlines, and everything in between - stress is a constant in our lives.
We all have been affected by it, but what exactly does stress look like? How can we identify stress and anxiety when it hits so that we can be more prepared with ways to prevent it?
What are signs of high stress?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in your day-to-day life, you are most likely experiencing high stress:
- Constantly feeling worried about the future or the unknown
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Short temper or general irritability
- Difficulty falling asleep or relaxing
- A change in self-esteem or body image
- Big mood changes, or not feeling like your usual self
- A change in eating habits (eating more or less)
- Stomach aches or digestion troubles
- Increased usage of alcohol or drugs to wind down
Although stress affects everyone a little differently, it is important to be aware of how stress might be impacting your body, your mind, and your relationships with others.
Dealing with periods of high stress can be very difficult, and create tension throughout every facet of life. There are plenty of tactics you can use to help make your stress more manageable, and to gain a healthier mindset.
6 Ways to Reduce Stress
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Identify the root cause.
Ask yourself these three questions: Is there a practical solution to what’s worrying me? Will this stress pass, after being given some time? Is there anything that I can actually do to solve the problem? Identifying what is causing the stress can help you make moves to answering each of these questions, and begin making positive changes. -
Remember these words: When life feels overwhelming, start subtracting.
Often we don’t realize we are taking on more than we can handle until suddenly our lives are spiraling out of control. Take a look at all of your commitments, and figure out one or two things you can remove to get back some of your time. -
Reflect on your lifestyle.
Are you making room in your life to get a solid 8-hours of sleep each night? Have your eating habits changed negatively - as in skipping meals, or eating fast foods more frequently? Are you making time to exercise? Take a good look at your lifestyle, and see if you can focus your energy on improving one of these areas. Each component is related to stress reduction. -
Learn how to ask for help.
Our friends and family are there to support us when we need them. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, speak up and ask for a helping hand. You will be surprised how many people in your life will be willing to help. -
Drink plenty of water and reduce alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is a depressant, and will only make you feel worse about your situation. Alcohol also has a negative effect on your sleep cycle, is dehydrating, and will often cause you to make poor eating decisions. In turn, drinking plenty of water will give you a boost of energy, and help every process within your body to function more smoothly. True Citrus is proven to support more water-drinking throughout your day. -
Take a “mental health” day.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. You might not have a cold, but a high-stress mental state will show similar (if not worse) symptoms. If you’re feeling severely overwhelmed, take a sick day off from work. Use that time to rest and heal.
Remember that stress affects each one of us differently. Be forgiving of yourself, and be kind in your progress towards healing. We live in a very stressful world with triggers all around us. Take pause, breathe, and reflect on what you can improve now for a healthier future.
[Credit: The Mental Health Foundation. “How to Manage and Reduce Stress.”]
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