Relieve your stress with these healthy habits
Life may feel overwhelming and stressful at times due to a host of reasons like work-life imbalance, social media, and not having enough time to spend with yourself or loved ones. While you may have no control over your circumstances, you always have power over how you react to them. Try these healthy ways to deal with stress in your everyday life.
Practice deep breathing
Deep breathing is one of the quickest practices you can do to relieve stress. Simply close your eyes and take a deep breath for five seconds. Hold it for two seconds and release it slowly for the count of five seconds again. This practice can activate your sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's response to a perceived threat.
Take a brisk walk
It only takes a few minutes for exercise to start working as a stress reliever as it releases a happy hormone called endorphins. And the easiest way to pump it up is to go for a brisk walk. Walking is a straightforward yet efficient approach to refresh your mind and body. Take a break from your stress-inducing work and stroll around the office/home.
Use laughter
'Laughter is the best medicine' is an adage that proves effective in case of stress management. Laughing can be therapeutic and has the potential to relieve stress. It often transforms into a source of happiness, optimism, and hope while lowering stress hormones. Consider watching a funny movie, show, series, or video. As you do it, you will slowly feel calm and relaxed.
Counter-negative talk
The stress reaction is naturally triggered when you are critical of yourself. Thus, giving yourself encouragement and support can help you get rid of it. For every negative or stressful thought, think about three things that make you happy. Additonally, practicing gratitude can also help you. Give yourself credit for whatever you have achieved so far and celebrate life.
Connect with others
Your stress is bound to reduce when you share your thoughts with your loved ones and seek help. Developing a sense of community, whether it be at the workplace, with a religious group, or through shared pursuits like organized sports, can keep you supported and cared for. Participating in a group activity and connecting with like-minded people enables you to build relationships.
