Stress. It seems to come hand in hand with our modern day living. Follow these simple stress management tips to help get your life back under control.
1. Get some exercise
There’s a temptation to rush everywhere at warp speed. Where once we’d have walked, we now drive. If you have enough time then treat yourself to membership of a gym. But if not, just introduce some gentle exercise into your life anyway. A brisk walk works well for this. Exercising releases things called endorphins which are our body’s own natural “feel good” substances, so even a fairly brief period of exercise will release these and leave you feeling happier.
2. Chill out
Take some time out for yourself. Play your favorite music. Put on a comedy DVD. Relax for a change! If you haven’t got any music you find relaxing, do a quick search for relaxation or meditation CDs and treat yourself to one of them. Make sure that people close to you know when it’s your chill time so you’re not disturbed. And turn off your cell phone – if it’s that important, they’ll leave a message.
3. Just say no
Which isn’t quite the same as the Nike slogan. Saying no to something that you know will just overload you is important. After the initial shock, the person you’ve just said no to will probably appreciate that you’ve done this rather than saying yes and failing to deliver on the promise.
4. Eat naturally and cut down on the junk food
There’s a temptation when we’re stressed to do everything in a hurry. That temptation usually stretches to our food. Rather than wolf down a burger and fries and ten minutes later totally forget what you’ve eaten, take the time out to eat some nice healthy food. Sit down to eat. Turn off the television. Stop reading. Just eat. Notice the food. Notice the flavors and textures. Actually enjoy your food!
5. Drink plenty of water and cut down on the caffeine
Your body needs water. It doesn’t need the extra shot in the coffee (or even the coffee). Caffeine messes with us in all sorts of ways that aren’t pleasant and although it may initially seem to help, it doesn’t really. Unless you’re a light user, don’t cut out caffeine all in one go. Phase it out gradually – the withdrawal symptoms will be a lot less severe that way. Oh, and cut out the sugar filled soda drinks as well (whether they’re full sugar or diet equivalents).
6. Take a power nap
These aren’t reserved for fiction and movies. Power naps will help you refresh your body and will you’ll leave them feeling happy and raring to go again.
7. Get a life (or at least a hobby)
If your whole life is your work, it’s no wonder you’re stressed. Take a break rather than stressing about work 24/7. Take up a hobby. Ideally one where you’ll meet and interact with other people but if the only hobby you can make time for is making matchstick models of ships and placing them in bottles, so be it. At least it’s not work!