Whether it is school, relationships, or work stress has a way of getting to us in every situation. Not only does stress have negative health effects but it can also be detrimental to our everyday lives. Stress can prevent us from being ourselves and as a result, we spiral deeper and deeper into a place that is difficult to climb out of. Luckily, there are many ways to deal with and manage stress; it’s just a matter of putting in the time and effort to do so.
Inhale, Exhale
It’s as simple as it sounds: breathing is one of the most effective techniques for decreasing stress levels. About 4 seconds out and 4 seconds in through the nose, breathing awareness will bring you back to a place in your mind that is controlled and helps you feel as if you can accomplish anything. So when the stress starts to overwhelm you all of a sudden, take a minute (wherever you are) to deeply inhale and exhale in order to ease your mind, body, and soul.
Exercise
Another method to managing stress is exercise. Exercise allows endorphin levels to rise, which will increase your productivity and happiness levels. Sometimes just sweating it out is the best answer. It’s not only a healthy alternative to other ways of dealing with stress, but it’s also a good way to take a moment to distract you from the root of the problem.
Write about it
Believe it or not, taking the time to process your thoughts can be beneficial. You might come to new realizations or figure out solutions to the problem at hand. Your writing doesn’t need a purpose; simply start writing out everything that is on your mind. Studies have proven that writing can serve as a therapeutic tool. Let your mind wander freely while you write for about 15-25 minutes, you may be surprised at what comes out.
Do something that makes you happy
When stress consumes us, it is a struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It can become so powerful that we momentarily lose ourselves. To return to your foundation, think about the things that make you happy. Choose one of those things and pursue it, it’s amazing how far a little day booster can go. Pro tip: consider trying this at the beginning of the day to set a positive tone from the moment you wake up.
Stress seems unavoidable; after all we are only human. But the good news is it is easy to alleviate through simple exercises. Everyone has different ways of coping with stress, but some are healthier for our mental, emotional, and physical state than others. Remember that your mind is the most powerful tools in the workforce…take the necessary measures to keep it clear and sharp.
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