Photo by Diva Plavalaguna
There are several stressful factors that can affect your functionality and mental well-being; thus, finding the best ways to deal with stress should bring back your momentum in daily life.
Stress is a natural response to environmental stimuli that create mental tension. It affects one’s functionality, way of thinking, physical features, and behavior. Yes, when you search “stress” on the internet, you might find people holding on to their heads or pulling their heads out of anger and anxiety.
Fortunately, some people have already formulated some ways to cope with the anchoring effects of stress. “From Stressed to Blessed” by Cynthia D. Chase is a self-help book that provides its readers with ways to get rid of stress.
If you are still looking forward to de-stressing, here are our top 10 ways to deal with stress:
10. Exercise
Yeah, for gym rats and marathon trainees, this idea has always been a default. But here’s to some people who think, “What??? But I hate exercise!”
Exercising allows your body to release a hormone called endorphin, which improves your mood and makes you happy. It’s equivalent to eating your favorite chocolate without the stress of gaining more weight. So, for the gym haters out there, you can do this! You might want to start your exercise by walking around your space or stretching for a few minutes during breaks. Moving helps release endorphins!
9. Eat!
Most people’s way of coping with stress is to eat a lot of food in their “I crave this” list. But you must see to it that you are eating healthy foods. Have a well-balanced diet. Minimize sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods. Treat your body with foodstuff high in nutrients that help minimize stress, such as B vitamins and magnesium. Eat your vegetables, fish, and whole grains. You may also treat yourself the magnesium-rich dark chocolate during your stressful time.
8. Tea Breaks
Relax. Have a tea break! Awaken the British royalty in you by giving yourself some time to have some tea breaks. Tea is a good way to hydrate when you are not a fan of just drinking water. Since tea has moderate amounts of caffeine and is less diuretic than coffee, it is as hydrating as water. However, our sweet-toothed fellows should also consider the amount of sugar they add to their tea.
7. Build Up Your Imagination in Paper
One way to cope with stress is to write it out. Stress becomes a mental constraint if one does not know how to express it or put it out. Writing is one of the best ways to get rid of the mental torture that you acquired from your stressor. It exercises your imagination to find a peaceful space within you, and exorcises the demon that is the stress lurking in your mind. Get a pen. Get a paper. Let your imagination free you from your mental chains.
6. Listen to the Rhythm of the Melody of Your Favorite Pieces of Music
Music is one of the 10 easy ways to manage and relieve stress. It’s like a way of calling your special guardian angel to target that heavy demon holding on to you. Listening to music actually helps in lowering your blood pressure, and releasing endorphins, lowering the stress-inducing hormone called cortisol. Let your angel of music sing! (queue The Phantom of the Opera)
5. Talk to Friends
Yes, it’s true! The power of friendship will get you through hard times. When you are feeling down, call your best friends and talk it out. Talking it out helps you release all your stress as you have people who will always listen to you.
4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Me-Time
Talking to friends is one way you can let out your stress. But who else can you talk to? Your bestest friend – yourself. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you’re crazy. Yup! You are not the only one who does it. And did you know that talking to oneself is a sign of higher intelligence? Go, have yourself a me-time and talk to that smarty pants that looks back at you in the mirror.
3. Catch Some Zzzs
Oh yes! The much-needed sleep! It’s one of the first things people instinctually do when they are feeling stressed out. Sleep allows your body to shut off everything that may cause more stress and activates your immune system and hormone regulation. It relieves you from the mental constraints. Cuddle with your loved one and feel the coziness of your bed. Let the sheep drive it all away.
2. Clean and Organize Your Safe Space
Cleaning and organizing your space is also getting rid of the clutter in your mind. Put away the things that do not make you happy. A spacious area helps you breathe properly and achieve a good night’s sleep.
1. Meditate
Meditation helps you find your inner balance and take control of your inner self. Meditating allows you to keep yourself at bay and get rid of the bothersome mental constraints.
To learn more about meditation and dealing with stress, you may check out books like “From Stressed to Blessed” by Cynthia D. Chase can greatly help you towards healing and transformation.
