Best ways to manage stress

If you’re living with high levels of stress, you’re putting your entire well-being at risk. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your overall physical and mental health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life. Because people respond differently https://thecoloradodigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ to stressful circumstances, a situation that one person might find tolerable can become a source of chronic stress for another. The experience of stress can be either acute or chronic. Acute stress usually occurs in response to a short-term stressor, like a car accident or an argument with your spouse.

• Read about 5 steps to mental wellbeing, including the benefits of connecting with other people.
• However, stress also can be a powerful, and even positive, motivator.
• If your stress gets worse, you might find it helpful to talk to a mental health professional.
• When you’re stressed, the last thing you probably feel like doing is getting up and exercising.
• Keep in mind that there are many different ways to get more physical activity in your day too.

Virtual mental health care visits: Making them work for you

The concept of “mindfulness” is a large part of meditative and somatic approaches to mental health and has become popular recently. Because they are fast-acting, breathing exercises are a great way to cope with moments of acute stress, such as right before an exam or presentation. But they can also help manage longer-lasting stress such as dealing with relationships, work, or financial problems. Consider trying a guided imagery app if you need extra help visualizing a scene and inducting a relaxation response. Research suggests that such tools might be an affordable and convenient way to reduce stress.

Stress relievers: Tips to tame stress

Meditation is a popular way to relax as it can help reach a state of calm, decrease stress and improve your mood. Some people even use music to guide them Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House through their meditation sessions. If meditation isn’t your thing, deep breathing, reading or taking a hot bath are also popular relaxation techniques.

Take care of your physical health

But building time for leisure into your schedule could be key to helping you feel your best. And when you feel better, you’ll perform better, which means leisure time may make your work time more efficient. Guided imagery can be done with a recording where you listen to someone walk you through a peaceful scene. Or, once you know how to do it yourself, you can practice guided imagery on your own. Join 550,000+ helping professionals who get free, science-based tools sent directly to their inbox.

Eat a healthy diet

Obtain Social Support

• For centuries, Buddhist monks have been conscious of deliberate breathing during meditation.
• But when the stress boilover happens during work, at a party, or in public, dropping everything to take a nap is definitely not a good look.
• Research shows certain supplements and foods can play a positive role as part of broader anxiety treatment.
• An outsider’s perspective may help you see that more clearly.
• Stress rashes often appear as pink or discolored, raised bumps called hives.

• While just about any form of physical activity can help burn away tension and stress, rhythmic activities are especially effective.
• Plus, research shows that pet owners — especially those with dogs — tend to have greater life satisfaction, better self-esteem, reduced levels of loneliness and anxiety, and more positive moods.
• Other research has linked it to helping work through PTSD symptoms or depression.
• Getting 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, is important for all aspects of health, including stress management.