Stress has always been and will always be one of the main contributors to virtually every problem known to man. Stress levels today may very well be at the highest point they have ever been in history. The thousands of thoughts you are thinking every single day have a direct impact on how you feel and therefore how stressed you may be. Paying close attention to your thoughts and feelings is one of the best techniques on how to distress and enjoy life as you should always be doing.
Stress not only makes you moody, it can wreak havoc on your health, weaken your immune system, increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, and even an early death. You may not be able to control all your circumstances, but you can chose the way you react to them.
- Take a deep breath – Take five to ten minute to yourself for deep breathing exercises by holding your breath momentarily before exhaling to release tension from your body.
- Take a stroll – When needed take a ten minute break to walk around, whether it is around your office space, around the block or in a nearby park just to clear your mind.
- Keep a journal – Self- monitoring your emotional feelings, food, and fitness is an excellent way to become more aware of your triggers and behavioral patterns.
- Listen to music – Whether it is a relaxing instrumental or an upbeat song that you feel like singing along to, music can have an immediate and profound effect on your mood.
- Enjoy natural sunlight – Sunlight provides vitamin D and also warms the body and brightens our vision, plus it promotes relaxation.
- Have healthy snacks – Proper nutrition promotes health, well-being, and rejuvenation, which in turn enhances your resilience to stress.
- Surround yourself with life – Being around live plants, pets and other people can increase relaxation levels, just by merely being in their presence.
- Laugh – Laughter truly is good medicine and cheap therapy when you are at your wits end.
- Socialize – Sometimes we get caught up in stressful events that we forget to have a good time; enjoy time with family and friends.
- Turn your phone off – Sometimes we need a break from being “connected” so designate a time each day when you are not on-call.