WE ALL GET STRESSED
Stress is your body’s response to feeling overwhelmed. Everyone reacts differently, but some common responses include elevated heart rate and blood pressure, emotional outbursts, difficulty breathing, headaches, and a weakened immune system. Knowing how to deal with stress is important to stay healthy. Check out the top five stress management techniques below.
SLOW, STEADY BREATHING
When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, you naturally breathe faster, which taxes your major organs. Instead, practice slow, steady breathing. No one will know you’re doing it, and it will help center your mind and help you feel grounded.
Here’s how:
- Breathe slowly in through your nose, feeling your stomach expand
- Count to 3 as you breathe in and then hold for 1 second
- Breathe out slowly, counting to 3
- Do this as many times as needed
GET OUT AND WALK
If you’re feeling stressed, remove yourself from the situation. Give your brain a break. If you can, take a 5 – 10 minute walk. This gives you time to clear your mind and fill your lungs with clean air.
If you can’t get out while a situation occurs, make time for a walk later in the day, making it a regular habit. 30 minutes of brisk walking a day can help ease stress levels and give you time to yourself.
SET REALISTIC GOALS
You can create your own stress when you don’t have realistic goals. Trying to do too much and never saying ‘no’ can wreak havoc on your health. Instead, set goals you know you can achieve and that won’t tax you.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach for the stars and try to grow, but when you’re identifying your stress triggers, you may find that your goals are too lofty and are the reason you’re feeling pressured.
DECLUTTER
It sounds strange that clutter would make you feel stressed, but if you’re the least bit claustrophobic, it can cause you to feel panicked. Clear your space and you clear your mind. You’ll feel more equipped to make quick and important decisions with a clear mind.
Feeling organized also helps you stay on top of your tasks. When you’re accomplishing tasks on time and know what’s ahead, you’re better able to stay focused.
PRAY AND MEDITATE
Meditating doesn’t mean sitting on the floor cross-legged and chanting. It can look however you want it to look. It just means you take 10 – 15 minutes out for yourself to sit in an area that is just yours and distraction free, and you focus on yourself. Breathe slowly, let your mind relax, and heal from the stress it goes through each day. Find prayers to read, talk positivity to yourself or find alone time to chat with God.
LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS
Stress happens to everyone, even those who try to avoid it. Learning how to deal with stress so it doesn’t affect your physical and mental health is the key. Learn stress management techniques that work for you and help you look and feel your best.
