Stress has become a normal part of humans’ everyday lives. Considering that it is often the culprit behind a number of physical health problems, as well as mental health issues, that simply will not do.
In an effort to help you both control and reduce your stress, here are four healthy and creative ways in which to manage it.
Practicing meditation and mindfulness
A combination of regular meditation and living your life with more mindfulness can have a significant positive effect on your stress. Essentially, meditation is an inward journey that allows you to reconnect with your inner self, blocking out all external noise, worries, and negative thoughts.
Most experts recommend practicing meditation every day in order to reap all of the benefits. However, learning how to meditate takes lots of practice and dedication – it definitely is not as easy as it looks.
This is why many people opt to attend a school of yoga meditation such as Gloucestershire Meditation & Mindfulness: meditationgloucestershire.co.uk.
Cutting out stimulants
The more stimulants to which you subject your body and mind, the higher your stress and anxiety levels are likely to be. Examples of common stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. If you can’t give them up, at least work on reducing the amount that you consume each day. Try to replace these stimulants with healthier habits, such as drinking more water or sipping on herbal tea. Or, every time you find yourself craving a cigarette, close your eyes and put your new meditative skills to good use.
Maximize your sleep
There is a vicious cycle that many people experience when it comes to stress and sleep. In order to effectively manage stress, you need to get plenty of rest – at least seven or eight hours of sleep every night. However, in most instances, when you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious, you will find it quite a bit more challenging to fall asleep and remain asleep for longer periods. The less you sleep, the more you will stress, and the more you stress, the less you will sleep.
Break the cycle by working on quieting the mind ahead of bedtime. Switch off all devices, ensure that the temperature of the room is comfortable, and sit in silence for a few minutes, focusing on letting all intrusive thoughts leave the mind. You may also want to drink some chamomile tea, which is known to aid in calming the nerves.
Communicate
The old saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ could not be more true when it comes to managing and coping with the stress of everyday life. In many cases, by simply voicing the reasons why you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed in the first place, you will be able to move past it faster and more effectively. Some people will find that it is helpful to speak to a close friend or a family member, while others will find it easier to open up to someone’s objective, like a psychologist, a life coach, or a counselor.
Keep these tips in mind and you are sure to regain control of your body and your thoughts, therefore reducing stress and leading a healthier lifestyle.
