Stress is a major part of our lives, but it certainly isn’t always an enjoyable one! Although a certain
amount of stress is normal, when it starts to affect your health and well-being, it’s time to apply the
brakes.
But that’s easier said than done, right?
If you’re living a fast-paced lifestyle and are always on the go, when do you fit stress management into
your day? The last thing you want to do is make managing your stress a stressful topic.
If you’re wondering where to start, then these five easy tips can set you on the right track for reducing
your stress and managing it efficiently.
Disclaimer: Please ensure you seek professional advice before you begin any new regime, nutrition
plan, dietary changes, or exercise routine.
Get Active
There’s no denying the rush of feel-good endorphins that race through the body after light to moderate
exercise. While running a marathon is a great goal, for most of us, just getting moving is enough.
Light exercise is all it takes to get the rush of happy hormones pumping through our blood. Because of
this, getting active is a fantastic stress buster. Whether that’s going to the gym and hitting the weights,
tackling a hiking trail, or going for a jog, any exercise you do will help to lower your stress levels.
To get the best benefits of activity-lowering cortisol (the stress hormone), half an hour of exercise a day
is recommended. If that’s unachievable, then heading out on a long hike or city walk every few days can
also have the same result. The time spent being active will help you to calm your mind and release the
stress you’re carrying.
Yoga, pilates, stretches, a dance class, or even a cardio class will all help in the same way. Plus, these
types of exercise have additional benefits as they’ll improve your strength and flexibility. You don’t even
have to leave home, you can just pop on a YouTube or online workout and exercise along with the
instructor.
Saving a few of your favourite workout videos on your phone also ensures that you can take your
workouts with you wherever you go.
Start Meditating
While sleep is the ultimate stress buster and will help you to lower cortisol levels at night, meditation
can be just as powerful. The act of sitting down and breathing deeply is very calming and helps you to unwind and relax. The best part about this is that you can meditate anywhere. You just need a quiet spot where you can tune out and calm your thoughts.
If you want to go a step further, you can try a guided meditation where you take a journey along with
the narrator. You may be taken through winding forest pathways, atop windswept hills, and down to
rocky seashores or even to other galaxies. It’s incredibly relaxing and helps your mind to relinquish any
chaotic thoughts that are causing you stress.
Book Regular Remedial Massages in Adelaide
The power of touch is almost unparalleled in helping us to cope with stress. Think of the last time you
felt sad or down and then you got a hug. That feeling can be incredibly moving, making it an excellent
stress release and a balm for the soul.
While a hug is a great tension reliever, regular remedial massage in Adelaide from an experienced team of professionals are even better. Massages can help you to release tension, treat damaged, knotted, or immobile muscles, and give you some time to lie still and let yourself unwind.
When you focus on what your body needs, such as a deep tissue massage, a Swedish massage, or even
reflexology, you can help to release your pent-up worries along with it. By doing so regularly, your body
won’t hold on to stress, and you’ll reap the benefits. Regular massages also reduce the chances of pain
which can lead to added stress, so they have numerous health and well-being benefits.
Make Stress-Less Dietary Changes
This is another very easy-to-implement change in your life. Wherever you may be, changing what you
eat will have a profound effect on managing your stress levels.
Start by ensuring your next meal aligns with the dietary change you wish to make, and then keep the
momentum going. You can start with a change as small as switching up your snacks, or you can overhaul
your entire meal plan.
The foods you eat can also help to reduce stress. Oats can help to alleviate stress as they have as much
as 40% magnesium in them. Magnesium can help with anxiety and sleep disorders, so if you’re not a fan
of oats, it’s a good idea to take it in supplement form or look for other foods that are rich in it.
Fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso soup will also give the good bacteria in your gut
a boost. The gut is often called our second brain, so keeping it healthy can reduce stress too.
Additionally, keep tabs on how much caffeine you drink. Cutting down on coffee or tea with caffeine in
it will prevent your cortisol and stress levels from spiking and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Start New Hobbies
A fantastic way to combat stress, make friends, and gain new skills is by involving yourself in new
hobbies. You can try anything from crocheting to aromatherapy, gardening, or Tai Chi. By challenging
yourself to gain new skills, you will switch out of your stressed mindset into a more receptive learning
one.
If you start a hobby like crocheting or Tai Chi, you can do it absolutely anywhere. This gives you the
freedom to manage your stress and unwind at your leisure.
Reduce Stress For A Happier, Healthier You
No matter where you are, managing your stress levels will help you achieve a happier outlook.
Whether you do this by having regular remedial massages in Adelaide, starting a new hobby or exercise
regime, changing your eating habits or meditating, or all of the above, you’ll feel better both mentally
and physically. After all, when you’re stressed, it takes its toll on your body and mind.
Credit for this article goes to Donna Jefferson donnajefferson.com
