Decrease Stress Fast With These 3 Easy Tips
Everyone encounters stress, which manifests as tension that your body experiences either physically, mentally, or emotionally. Stress often has a negative connotation, but not all stress is bad. It can be beneficial as it triggers the body's fight or flight response. This response keeps us more attentive and motivated. However, if the body remains in this response for too long, chronic stress can begin to be detrimental to your health. A few signs that may indicate you are experiencing chronic stress include headaches, problems staying or falling asleep, aches and pains, exhaustion, stomach/digestive issues, and increased heart rate. Start to decrease stress fast with the tips located below.
Tip #1 Exercise
Exercise is beneficial for multiple reasons. In addition to improving our cardiovascular health, it is also a great stress reliever. Regular exercise causes a release in endorphins that help to decrease stress hormones and improve overall mood. Since stress can also be felt in the body as aches and pains, loosening those tight muscles through exercise will also help ease tension. Below are a few exercise suggestions.
ten-minute walk
go for a bike ride
play tag with your kids
dance party in your living room
go for a hike
endurance run with your favorite music
quick Tabata workout
Tip #2 Practice Relaxation Techniques
There are a plethora of techniques available to help to relieve stress and help you sleep better. Since stress does not always attack the body physically, but mentally and emotionally also, it is important to address the different types of stress. If one technique does not work for you, continue to try new approaches until you find what your body needs. A few ideas include:
meditation
yoga
Tai Chi
breathing exercises
tensing muscles one at a time and then relaxing
massage
Tip #3 Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet that includes adequate water, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important in fighting stress and delivers important vitamins and nutrients to the body. A healthy diet has been shown to assist in decreasing stomach and digestive issues as well. Dehydration can affect your focus, appetite, and energy levels. If you are unsure if you are receiving a balanced diet and water intake, I recommend food journaling using an app such as My Fitness Pal.
Bottom Line
Stress is inevitable and therefore it is important to learn great stress management skills that work for you. If you continue to struggle with stress management, always consult your doctor for more assistance.
References
National Institute of Mental Health. Fact sheet on stress Accessed 7/5/2020