Stress is a feeling of strain and pressure – in small amounts, stress is often beneficial and even healthy. However, excessive amounts of stress can be harmful – both physically and mentally. It is also known to increase the risk of stroke, heart attacks, ulcers and mental illnesses such as depression.
By managing stressful situations through healthy distractions, it becomes easier to stay healthy. Here are 5 ways in which you can stay stress-free.
Listen to Music
Relaxing music can be a great mood-changer. When situations – be it at work or at home – listen to some music to calm your senses and feel a positive change on your brain and body. Calm, soothing music can also lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.
Exercise
Exercising is another sure-fire way to improve your mood! Although it sounds contradictory, putting physical stress on your body with exercise extensively relieves mental stress. Aerobic exercise, in particular, has been proven to decrease overall levels of tension, improve sleep patterns, boost self-esteem and elevate and stabilize mood.
Take a Break
Plan your downtime the same way you plan your work. Consciously taking time off from stress-causing situations can go a long way in improving your mental health. Prayer, yoga or meditation are some simple activities you can take up during your break. These activities not only enhance your mood, they may even be as effective as antidepressant drugs at treating depression and anxiety.
Get Rid of Bad Habits
Contrary to popular belief, smoking, drinking and caffeine intake cannot relieve stress. In fact, the opposite is true – smoking causes tension and drinking is seen highest among people with high levels of stress. Binge eating on chocolate and consuming caffeinated beverages like coffee or energy drinks in high doses is also known to increase anxiety.
Connect with Others
Last, but not the least, take time to talk to people you love. The simple act of face-to-face communication with another human triggers stress-relieving hormones and eliminates feelings of agitation and insecurity. Even a brief exchange of kind words can work wonders to your nervous system.
References
- https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002239561500206X
- https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-power-of-music-to-reduce-stress/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10540594
- https://www.verywellmind.com/the-link-between-stress-and-alcohol-67239
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20164571
