Having ways to manage stress is vital for your mental and physical health. Here we share 5 ways to manage stress and be healthier.
Stress is a reaction where your body feels threatened or anxious. These reactions to stress can come from an overwhelming work environment, a traumatic event, and more.
According to the CDC, common reactions to stress include feeling numb, sad, frustrated, helpless, having difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, headaches, back pains, and stomach problems. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with stress.
1. Exercise
Exercising regularly is a great way to relax your mind and body. Exercise also improves your mood by elevating endorphins in the body. Strive for 150 minutes of weekly moderate exercise (like brisk walks) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, like swimming or running.
2. Relax & Take a Deep Breath
Your muscles tense up when you’re stressed. Loosen them up by stretching, getting a massage, taking a hot bath or shower, and getting a good night’s sleep. Deep breathing is also great for reducing stress. Try the following exercise:
- Sit in a comfortable position, put your hands in your lap.
- Close your eyes.
- Imagine yourself in a peaceful place (like the beach or a meadow).
- Slowly take turns breathing in, and breathing out.
- Repeat a few times. Do this for five to 10 minutes a day.
3. Eat Good, Healthy Foods
Healthy, balanced meals will help you feel better and reduce stress. Eating healthy, like vegetables and whole grains, will fuel your body and boost your health and energy.
If you want to eat your favorite comfort foods, remember to do so sparingly – especially if they’re not very healthy. The key is to follow a healthy balanced diet.
4. Get Better Sleep
Stress can interrupt your sleep routine and lack of sleep can increase your stress hormones and affect your health. Things that help improve your sleep include exercise, getting some sunlight, and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake prior to bedtime.
Other things you can do to get better sleep include:
- Setting a sleep schedule and following it every day.
- Putting away electronics an hour before bed.
- Meditating at bedtime.
- Prepping your room. Ideally, your room should be dark, quiet, and cool.
5. Laugh with Friends
Laughing causes your heart, lungs, and muscles to get an oxygen boost and release feel-good hormones. Laughter also boosts your immune system, which is why socializing with close friends and family can lower stress.
Having someone to listen to you will alleviate some of the stress your carry. When you spend time with people, your body releases a hormone that stops your fight-or-flight response.
The Outlook
Stress can take the fun out of life, but by practicing coping techniques, it can slowly begin to fade away. For those looking to improve their diets but who don’t know how to cook a variety of nutritious meals, HeartBeet Complete can help.
It is filled with nutrients to boost your health, circulation, and energy levels. Try HeartBeet Complete to help lower stress and boost your mood levels.
