Life can be pretty overwhelming at times, creating high levels of stress on our minds as well as our bodies. Stress is a normal part of life, but high levels can really take a toll on us and become more difficult to manage. Having healthy tactics for managing stress is essential to our overall well-being. Here are some healthy strategies to relieve stress in your daily life.
Meditation
Meditation has been around for a long time and rightfully so, because it is a great way to quiet the mind and relieve stress. Mindful meditation helps us to rewire our brains so we redirect negative thought patterns, making us less reactive, and making it easier to cope with external stressors in our lives. Meditation is a simple technique you can do easily anywhere. If you’ve never meditated before try a guided meditation to get you started.
Deep Breathing
Breathing is a requirement of life so we often do it without thinking. However, focusing on your breathing, taking slow, deep breathes is an incredible stress reliever. There are many different breathing techniques you can try, and they cost nothing and you can do them anywhere and anytime. Next time you are feeling particularly stressed try one of these breathing exercises.
Practice Gratitude
If we constantly focus on all of the bad things in our life, this creates negative thought patterns, reminding us of all we have to be stressed about. Practicing gratitude and being consistently grateful for all the blessings in your life can really shift your mindset. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to add positively into your life. Every day, write down at least one thing you’re grateful for. In times of stress, look back at your journal to remind yourself of all that is good in your life.
Exercise
Exercise is a no-brainer when it comes to relieving stress. Our physical health and our mental health are directly related. Regular exercise is so important for an overall healthy body and mind. Exercise reduces stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) in the body, helping us feel more relaxed. At the same time it stimulates endorphins, which are hormones responsible for making us feel good.
Make Lists
Our daily lives are often incredibly busy and we have so many things we need to remember. Trying to keep up with daily responsibilities can cause a lot of stress. Give your brain a little break and start making lists. You can make lists for anything – your daily tasks, things you need to buy, books you want to read, etc. Lists can give you control over your stress and the things you need to do. Crossing off items gives you a sense of accomplishment and you don’t need to rack your brain trying to remember things you need to do. Prioritize what you need to do first according to your list and celebrates the small victories.
Art Therapy
Studies have shown that creating art can help to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Anyone can make art. You don’t need to be an artist to express yourself through art. The process of creating is what relieves stress, not the final product. Art takes place in many forms. Find a way to create that interests you. This could be painting, collaging, adult coloring books, or even baking.
Conclusion
Don’t let stress get the better of you. Having healthy ways of managing stress in your life is vital to your body and mind. If you’re experiencing high levels of stress and finding it difficult to cope, there are many resources available online. Click here for advice or to speak to a licensed therapist that can help.
About Author: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with MyTherapist.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.