Not to be alarmist, but stress is literally killing us. Not only does stress lessen your quality of life, but heightened stress levels are linked to a whole range of serious conditions like heart disease, digestive issues, sleep troubles, and more.
Now, it’s not helpful to stress about stress. If we do, we’re only creating a perpetuating cycle. Instead of worrying about the stress, we want to arm you with actions you can take when those feelings of anxiety creep up. So here are six stress management tips you can put into action right now.
#1: Get moving
Seriously, just putting one foot in front of the other can be enough to minimize stress. When you get moving, your body decreases its levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Head for a walk, show up for a yoga class, or do whatever else makes your body feel its best.
If you can exercise outside, all the better. Exposure to nature also helps to drop your stress levels. Moving your body in the fresh air is one of the most effective stress management tips out there.
#2: Make good food choices
When you’re stressed, it’s totally normal to crave unhealthy foods. But eating junk will only make you feel like junk. Making good food choices, on the other hand, can help you feel better not just physically, but also mentally.
#3: Get enough sleep
When you’re tired, everything feels like a bigger deal. In fact, the amount and quality of sleep you’re getting links directly to your overall mental health. If you’re feeling stressed on a regular basis, look at your sleep habits. Getting regular rest can help keep your body and mental health balanced.
We know that stress makes it hard to sleep, so it’s a bit of a catch-22. But the National Sleep Foundation has tips to help you doze off and stay asleep.
#4: Do something you love
It seems like a no-brainer, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t include this in our list of sleep management tips. When you’re feeling tense, switching up your day and focusing on something that brings you pleasure — like a hobby or hanging out with a friend — makes a big difference.
#5: Watch your habits
Stress can trigger unhealthy habits, like bad food choices or turning to substances. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, be extra mindful about what you do. It might help to keep an activity journal. Maintaining awareness about the choices you make when you’re feeling stressed can help you avoid developing unhealthy habits.
#6: Don’t be afraid to ask for help
You don’t have to go through what you’re feeling alone. Seek out friends and talk through your stress. Leaning into your social community can make a dramatic difference. Often, simply verbalizing what’s going through your head can make you realize it’s not as heavy as you initially felt.
If you don’t have a social network on which you can lean or you don’t want to burden your loved ones, we’re here. At the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center, our team of dedicated therapists is available to talk with you and help you figure out which right stress management tips make the biggest difference for you. Reach out to us to set up an appointment with one of our dedicated team members today.
