In light of the pandemic, several people are developing severe anxiety and stress. Aside from the recent health crisis that’s happening, several causes lead to stress and anxiety. Gladly, there are also several methods on how a person can get rid of stress. You can use these tips to manage your stress and anxiety.
Do Regular Exercise
Experts encourage people to exercise regularly to relieve stress. Studies have proven how regular exercise is an effective method to combat stress. Even during a pandemic, health practitioners encourage people to do home workouts or exercise. Some states allow the public to go for a walk or jog at the park with physical distancing precautions.
You might think an exercise is a contradictory option, but putting your body through physical stress can help relieve mental stress. People who religiously exercise are less likely to experience stress and anxiety. Why?
Exercise lowers the stress hormones which helps improve your mood. Moreover, it helps improve your sleep quality. Thus, create an exercise routine or activity that you enjoy.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Unfortunately, if you are a coffee lover, you have to reduce your intake. Caffeine is found in tea, chocolate, coffee, and energy drinks. If you have a high dose of caffeine, it will increase your anxiety and stress level.
Each person has a different caffeine threshold, it is best to minimize the intake before you feel anxious or jittery. Although experts say coffee in moderation is healthy, it is not for everyone. Thus, in general, do not drink too much coffee or any beverage with high caffeine content.
Spend More Time with Friends and Family
At stressful times, the social support you receive from your friends and family can help you go through these difficulties. If you are part of a network, you have a sense of belongingness and self-worth. Strong social ties will help you get through stressful times and lowers your risk of anxiety.
You can always talk about it with your friends, family, or someone you are comfortable with. Nothing beats the reassuring voice from your friends and family when you are under a lot of stress. Their comfort and reassurance bring positivity to your life.
Meditate, Spend Time with Yourself
Sometimes, the friend you need is yourself. You are your friend. Talk to yourself. No one knows yourself more than you.
For a start, you do not sound crazy. You only have to talk to yourself about why you are stressed out. There are several options to spend time with yourself. Meditate and write down the things you are stressed about. Moreover, do not overlook the gratitude you receive from family and friends.
However, if you feel overwhelmed by a stressful situation, you can take a break and listen to relaxing music. Listening to calm songs will give out a positive effect on your brain and body. It can lower your blood pressure and hormones that are linked to stress.
Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the key factors to stress and anxiety. You can easily lose sleep if you are anxious and stressed. If you constantly put yourself in a few hours of sleep, it will cause exhaustion to your brain and body, and it might get worse over time.
Thus, always ensure to have the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. If you are having a hard time sleeping, dim the lights, and relax before giving yourself a good night’s sleep. Sleep and relaxation are the greatest stress reliever.
Take Deep Breaths
Telling someone to take a deep breath when having panic attacks sound cliché. However, it holds genuine acts. The consciousness of deliberate breathing during meditation will help relieve stress.
Taking deep breaths will only cost you three to five minutes of your time. Sit on the most comfortable chair. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply. Concentrate on the expansion of your lungs and chest when you deep breathe.
Shallow breathing will cause stress, that’s why always do long deep breaths. It will help oxygenate your blood and clear your mind.
Do Household Chores
According to Liox, some people experience stress and anxiety due to their environment. If you have a messy home or room, your mind is most likely full of clutter– for short, if your house is a mess, your mind is a mess too.
You might dislike decluttering, cleaning, or doing laundry. However, studies suggest that doing mere household chores will help you release stress. Doing household chores will facilitate organization, and you might apply it to your life.
Although some find laundry a tedious task some enjoy and find doing laundry relaxing. The smell of fresh linen and cleanliness of their clothes relieves their stress. However, the idea of laundry is certainly unappealing, there’s a lot of work to put through. You can either hire a maid service, call a laundry pickup and delivery service, or head over to the laundromat yourself.
If you wish to launder at the laundry shop yourself, you will find yourself reflecting on some decisions you have made in your life. You might not notice it but you are meditating while waiting for your clothes. Doing household chores while simultaneously meditating is satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Stress is an unavoidable circumstance. No matter how small a thing maybe, there’s a greater chance that it will ignore you. Learn how to get rid of stress as the earliest possible. Untreated stress and anxiety may lead to serious physical and mental health problems.
Some of the suggested tips can provide immediate relief. However, with the circumstances and lifestyle changes, exercise and deep breathing approaches are likely overlooked. Do not be afraid to try out other strategies. You might find one approach that fits your style.
Even though stress is unavoidable, it is manageable. With a few relevant strategies and patience, you can reduce your stress– whether it is from your family or at the workplace. Do not try to hide your struggles. Face them and get rid of them!
