We all have to deal with stress in our lives. Work, school, family commitments, even the ever encroaching presence of social media can make you feel pressured or stressed at times – but if ongoing stress is a problem for you, it can lead to serious health issues.
Chronic headaches, insomnia, stomach problems and depression are just a few symptoms. So how do you fight off stress before it becomes a problem?
There are a few tips that take very little time out of your day, and produce big results in the face of stress. Follow these tips, and you’re sure to find yourself relaxing more often!
1. Clean up
Self care is almost a buzzword in today’s society, but it’s nothing to sneer at. As your stress level rises, you tend to forgo things like housekeeping, personal care, and even sometimes remembering to take time to get some fresh air.
Taking fifteen minutes a day to freshen up is a great way to promote self-care that can help you de-stress, and it’s not tough to fit into your schedule, as long as you don’t try to tackle any huge projects.
Instead, if you’re noticing your stress levels climbing at work, take ten minutes to straighten up your desk. If you’re having a hard time relaxing at home, straighten up the living room, make the bed, or throw a load of laundry in the wash.
If you’ve been feeling like you can’t get time for yourself, hop into a hot shower. Even these small acts of kindness to yourself can make a huge difference in your mood and your overall stress levels.
2. Learn to meditate
Meditation is a skill that takes time to master, but mindfulness and breathing techniques have lasting positive effects on your body, and your mind.
It really doesn’t take much to pick up the habit. Plenty of meditation classes are available at local temples and yoga centres.
Some are even free, and welcome newcomers regular. If you flinch at the idea of being vulnerable with strangers, or you just can’t find the time, meditation exercises on tape are a great option to help you build the skill.
Start small. Take five minutes of your day to sit in a quiet space, and practice deep breathing, and being aware of your body.
Over time, your ability to sit and empty your mind will expand to 30 minutes or hour long intervals. Meditation, even in small intervals has been shown to reduce stress and improve health, sometimes with dramatic results…
Continue reading the article and learn more about stress on LifeIsAnEpisode.com.