Did you know that a whopping up to 90% of doctor visits are stress-related? Stress, practically a 21st century epidemic, can wreak havoc on your health and happiness if you don’t learn coping techniques to keep it at bay—for good. In fact, some of the many detrimental emotional effects of stress include:
- Anger
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sadness and depression
- Powerlessness
- Total overwhelm
We’ve all experienced these feelings at some point, but when they become the norm rather than the exception that raises a stress red flag. By adopting some of the following stress-busting techniques, you can trade negative mindset for positive, productive, and potentially life-changing habits.
1. Laugh — Developing your funny bone can help increase circulation, stimulate lymph movement, and give your immune system a boost. A good, strong laugh also brings more oxygen to your body and brain, which makes you feel more healthy and energetic.
2. Exercise — Studies show an exercise routine can help combat stress—and ward off depression as a result of the release of endorphins, a natural feel-good chemical. In addition, your confidence builds as you exercise more and achieve mastery at a sport. Some kinds of exercise can also put you in a meditative state, a natural foe of stress.
3. Breathe Deeply — Learning to use your breath in times of stress has shown to be impactful on physical health as well as mood. In fact, those who meditate have lower blood pressure, increased circulation, and tend to be happier. Adopting a daily meditation practice can transform an ingrained stress response into a calm, measured reaction.
4. Reach Out — Making sure your life involves some measure of community helps buffer you from stress. When you feel anxious your tendency might be to close yourself off from others, but by doing the exact opposite you will replace a despondent mood with a fulfilling experience!
5. Delegate — Give yourself permission to delegate items on your to-do list to others. That way, you leave more time for to focus on what matters most to you.
6. Adopt a Pet — Studies show that caring for a pet—from a dog or cat to parrots and fish—can extend your life and help keep depression at bay. Pets help prevent you from feeling lonely and in the case of a dog, force you to get out into the world and interact with others while out on a walk. Petting a soft coat can also be very soothing to the soul.
7. Get Out in Nature — So many of today’s stressful situations stem from too much screen time, so making time to unplug by taking a walk in the woods, digging in the garden, or riding your bike along the coast is a powerful way of recharging your batteries. The grounding energy found in nature can help you move out of your head and into your body for an almost instant sense of calm.
8. Say No —Superwoman syndrome is pervasive but dangerous, so resist the urge to do it all. It’s OK to turn down obligations that don’t serve you and carve out time for YOU.
9. Schedule a Massage — Tension often lodges in muscles in your neck, back, and other areas of your body, so splurge on the occasional massage for a release and an hour dedicated solely to your relaxation!
10. Seek Support — When stress becomes unbearable, it’s time to reach out to get help. Either from a trained professional such as a therapist, coach, or energy worker or a support group that focuses on ameliorating stress. Remember that there’s no shame in this! In fact, it can only improve your long term health and happiness.
