It’s normal to feel stressed on occasion. However, when stress becomes a component of your daily life, it can cause serious health issues in the future.
Unexpected events can trigger your body to go into defense mode, causing stress levels to rise quickly. For some people, a panic attack shortly follows. For example, you may get the news that your aging parent received a diagnosis of dementia. Suddenly, your life turns topsy-turvy. As an only child, you have to make a quick decision regarding your parents’ life. Should you find a senior home care in NYC where they live to assist with their needs or move them into your home? Dealing with an issue that serious, or even something small, can be tough.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to manage stress.
Release Those Endorphins
Escaping the feeling of helplessness and an out-of-control environment is necessary to reduce stress. Taking a brisk walk will give you time to clear your head and restore a sense of calm. Whenever you engage in any form of physical activity that increases your heart rate, your body will automatically release endorphins, creating a euphoric feeling. After an intense 30 to 40 minute workout you’ll feel fantastic. You’ll be alert, focused, energized and happy.
Stay Committed
Sticking to self-imposed commitments will also help to alleviate stress from your life. For instance, if you decide to lose the extra weight, be sure to set achievable goals to make it happen. If a friend invites you to lunch then you decide to splurge and order fettuccine alfredo instead of a healthy salad, it’s okay. You need to make sure you give yourself the grace to do that every once in a while without feeling guilty.
Do Something You Enjoy
At times of increased stress levels doing something you enjoy will help to reduce it naturally. Painting, gardening and writing are a few options. Filling your time with activities that make you happy will keep you healthy.
Learn to Say No
Some people put themselves in harm’s way simply because they are unable to say no. They might have a boss who is really demanding and always needs things at a moment’s notice or friends who are always asking for favors. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to push the “me first” button. Elevated stress levels can be potentially harmful to your health. Make positive changes in your life that you are able to control.
Stop Putting Things Off
If you constantly procrastinate about pretty much everything in your life, you will continue to live with stress. Learn how to prioritize elements in your life. Getting organized isn’t difficult. Creating a schedule for home and the office will let you remain in control and on time. That way if someone needs something, you can use your schedule to make accurate assessments. If you have too much on your plate, there’s no way you’ll have the time to complete everything.
Meditation
Meditation can provide an effective way to relieve anxiety and stress. The constant noise in your head can prevent you from sustaining a good quality of life. Meditating allows you to reduce mind volume and restore inner peace. It connects the mind and body as one unit.
Getting Sufficient Sleep
Stress can prohibit a good night’s rest. Thankfully, there are several ways to induce sleep. Avoid watching the news and consuming any products that have sugar or caffeine a few hours prior to bedtime. Turning off electronic devices and having a dark environment are other ways to promote rest.
High levels of stress on a regular basis aren’t healthy. The good news is you can make changes in your life that avoid it or lower it naturally.
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