Practice These Top 5 Best Stress Busters

These days, stress has become a part of everyday life. We encounter several obstacles a day – from work deadlines to childcare to simply deciding what to make for dinner, it seems as though our bodies are constantly in “fight or flight” mode. This ongoing natural alarm system can have drastic effects on your health. A small amount of stress is normal; in fact, it can even be healthy. But too much can hurt your mental and physical health.

Check out our top 5 best stress busters:

1.

Exercise

– releases stress and stimulates “feel good” endorphins, giving you a natural high. Working out in the late afternoon or early evening raises your body temperature above normal levels, causing it to start falling down right as you’re getting ready to go to bed. This decrease in temperature relaxes your body and eases you into a stress-free, good night’s sleep.

2.

Sleep

– before you try any other stress busters, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. A sleep deficiency puts your body on high alert, which naturally heightens your blood pressure and production of stress hormones. A high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and weakens your ability to fall asleep peacefully, a cruel cycle that nobody wants to be stuck in.

3.

Laughter

– it seems simple, but laughing can actually reduce the production of stress hormones such as cortisol, dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and growth hormone. Like exercise, it also strengthens the level of healthy hormones like endorphins. All of this will leave you with a stronger immune system, fewer effects of physical stress, and all-around high spirits.

4.

Socializing

– surrounding yourself with friends and family in a relaxing setting is a key component of stress reduction. You can join a club, chat with friends online, call a family member, or simply hang out with someone. All of these examples can decrease your sense of loneliness, a common yet often overlooked cause of stress. Enjoying other people’s company and connecting with them will leave you feeling safe, secure, and stress-free.

5.

Stay positive

– this doesn’t necessarily mean you should ignore all of life’s troubles and can never be sad. Staying positive is simply approaching challenges with a realistic but optimistic attitude. Assume the best is going to happen, not the worst – this is an important part of active stress management, which leads to many health benefits.

The amount of stress in your life is in your hands – dedicate yourself to following these 5 steps and you will succeed in leading a happy and relaxing life.