Beat Stress
Top tips to beat stress
Self-care
Prioritise yourself and your health. When you’re relaxed and re-charged you’re in a much better position to deal with daily demands and help others too. So make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthily and get your body moving.
Family time
The traditions you share with your family are important ways to nurture and express your love for the important people in your life, and to create those fond memories that make you a family.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. For example, a 20-minute walk can yield up to 12 hours of improved mood. Find a physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s Zumba, cycling or yoga. Short on time? Why not make exercise a family activity? Try group activities such as biking, hiking or swimming and get the benefits of the physical activity AND time with your loved ones.
Meditate
Taking a few moments to focus on the breath and nothing else is a powerful de-stressing tool that you can do every day. If you’re new to meditating try this free ten day trail.
Write
Dedicating a period of time every day to write about a situation that is bothering you may reduce tension and give you stress relief for the rest of the day. It helps get it out of your head. Keeping a journal can also help you solve problems or find positive angles amongst the stressors.
Socialise
People with a strong social network typically enjoy a greater feeling of wellbeing. Spend time with friends who give you a sense of belonging and connection. It may be just the de-stressor you need.
Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine. It lowers tension and improves blood flow and the health of your heart. Watch some comedy or meet up for a giggle with the girls, and forget about your worries for a while.
Go outside
Regular exposure to the sun for just fifteen minutes a day helps boost the hormones responsible for feeling good and for regulating sleep. Breathe in some fresh air on a lunchtime walk or an afternoon at the park with the kids.
Be thankful
Our experience of life is largely based on our perceptions. If we tend to see the disappointments and flaws, that’s what our experience and our mood will reflect. When you turn your attention to what’s good in life you create a calming effect. So count your blessings and watch your mood lift.
If you’ve been exercising, socialising, and taking care of yourself and you still have high levels of stress, talk to your doctor. Your tension could be a sign of another health issue.
Further Resources