Stress is one of those things that everyone experiences at some time or another, but ongoing stress can be harmful to your mental health and your physical health.
Stress is the body's natural reaction to what it perceives to be harmful situations. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your brain that sends signals to your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as "fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During the stress response, it’s normal for your heart rate to increase, breathing to quicken, muscles tightening, and blood pressure rising. Your body is ready to react, which is how you protect yourself.
Sometimes, however, your brain and body put you in this state when there isn’t a real danger. It can happen when your kid breaks your favorite mug, or when you have a deadline that you are struggling to meet, or when you’re stuck in traffic.
Stress can affect every aspect of your life, including your emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health. None of your body is immune to the effects of stress. But, because people handle stress differently, the symptoms can also be very different. Symptoms might be vague and could be the same as symptoms caused by medical conditions. So it is important to discuss them with your doctor.
Some symptoms of too much stress include emotional symptoms like becoming frustrated too easily, having difficulty relaxing, feeling overwhelmed, depression, and anxiety. Physical symptoms can include headaches, low energy, upset stomach, and loss of sexual desire.
To help combat stress, here are 6 methods to help you live stress-free:
1. Be Happy.
Sure, sounds easier said than done, right? You can train your brain to be happier though. Laugh hard and loud, and often. Surround yourself with people who have good senses of humor. Joke and cut up like you did when you were a kid. Laughter releases endorphins (happy chemicals) from the brain, and will naturally help fight stress. Consider using CBD for Anxiety, like from MedsBiotech CBD, to reduce the stress you’re dealing with.
2. Take Control Over Your Time and Schedule.
You’ll face less time-constraint related anxiety if you have a good handle on your job, relationships, and other activities. When you are in control, you are more able to stay focused and calm. Keep that in mind as you plan your time wisely.
Don’t forget to leave room for unexpected events – both negative and positive. Be adaptable in your schedule, because things happen. Maybe you could get up 15 minutes early in the morning, or allow an extra 15 minutes to get where you’re going.
A big thing to help reduce stress is to avoid procrastinating on important or urgent tasks. Whatever needs doing, do it right away. Do the things you don’t want to do early so that you won’t have to worry about them for the rest of the day. Keep an appointment or record book. Don’t just rely on your memory.
Do your tasks one thing at a time at a time. Multi-tasking is a myth, you are really stopping and starting your tasks over and over. Try to focus your attention on the present moment, whether it’s the person talking to you or the job at hand. This helps you to avoid making errors – which lead to more tension and anxiety. Be patient in waiting. Anxiety caused by impatience can rise up your blood pressure.
Remember that it is ok to say “no” to requests that you just don’t have time for. Delegate trivial tasks. You may be supermom, but you don’t have to do it all yourself. Break hard tasks into smaller, easier tasks and assign them to people with the right skills.
3. Work Out
Try to make sure you set time aside each day for some exercise. This could be a brisk walk, a quick swim, or whatever kind of activity appeals to you. Maybe play a sport that you’re interested in. Aerobic exercises can reduce stress by increasing endorphins. Working out also improves sleep and gives you time to think and focus on other things.
4. Seek A Support Group.
You’ll be able to manage stress much better if you have other people helping and supporting you. Did you know that married people and people who are outgoing (always meeting with friends) have considerably low levels of stress in their lives?
Choose positive friends who are not worriers. Friends who continually put you down or talk gloomily about life will increase your anxiety. Invite a good friend to help you talk out a problem and get it off your chest. A long-distance call to an old pal can be great therapy.
Forgive others instead of holding onto grudges. Lower your standards – for yourself and others. Don’t expect too much. Perfectionism is not the means to happiness. It’s alright to be more flexible and adaptable to your environment. Communicate clearly with your co-workers and boss. Ask questions. Repeat instructions that you are given. Clarifying directions at the start of a project can save lots of time later rectifying out misunderstandings. Be honest in your dealings with others. Lying and cheating leads to stress.
5. Take Breaths Deeply and Slowly.
Relax your muscles, raising your stomach and chest. Exhale slowly. Do it again several times. Follow your breath as it flows in and out. Do not try to have power over it. This is a good way to relax in the midst of any activity. This practice allows you to find a breathing pattern that is natural and relaxing for you.
Try this yoga technique: Inhale slowly, counting to eight. Exhale through your mouth, even more slowly, counting to sixteen. Make a sighing sound as you exhale, and feel tension dissolve. Do it again 10 times.
6. Eat Healthily
When our bodies don’t get the nutrients we need, we are less equipped to handle everyday stress. Make sure you are eating balanced meals and plenty of fruits and vegetables and keeping your body healthy. You can also take vitamins and supplements, like CBD and Turmeric Oil, to make sure that you are helping your body be prepared for unexpected stress.
While everyone experiences stress, you by no means have to be a victim to it.
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