Stress is part of our everyday lives. It is our body’s reaction to challenges or demands, creating feelings of frustration, anger, or nervousness in us. A little stress can sometimes help us achieve short goals like meeting a deadline or avoiding danger. However, it becomes a problem when it affects the normal functioning of our lives.
Stress can adversely affect our mental and physical health and most of the time result in outbursts of anger. Although we cannot control the circumstances that lead to stress, we can control how we respond to them.
Here are some of the best strategies that help you reduce stress right now and in the future.
Short-term strategies
These are fast-acting strategies for reducing stress and can provide immediate relief. They can be performed anywhere and will only take very little practice to master.
Guided imagery
It is more like taking an imagery vacation with your mind. You can place yourself in your ‘happy place. It can be anywhere you can be relaxed and happy like the beach, a past memory, or somewhere you wish to be.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a serene environment. Think of all the beautiful sensory experiences you will experience there. Take a minute to enjoy all that and return back to the current moment.
Meditation
It is one of the most effective short-term and long-term ways to reduce stress. There are many types of meditation and each one has its own benefits. You can try out some mantras to relax your breathing and calm yourself down. You can also practice mindfulness which allows you to enjoy the moment.
Close your eyes and simply pay attention to what you hear, feel, touch, and smell.
Try breathing exercises
Changing the way you breathe or just focusing on your breathing can help you relax quickly. Breathing exercises have the power to calm your body and mind in just minutes. There are many different breathing techniques. Find the one that works better for you.
Take a walk
Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever. However, it may not be an option for all situations. So, the best thing to do is to take a walk. A change of scenery can get you into a different frame of mind and change your mood.
Hug a loved one
Studies have shown that physical touch can relieve stress. When you hug a loved one, oxytocin is produced. Nicknamed the “cuddle hormone”, this neurochemical is associated with high levels of happiness and can lower levels of stress.
A hug is the simplest form of stress relief available. So, do not hesitate to hug your loved ones.
Long-term strategies
If you are looking for long-term techniques to calm your mental stress, then here are a few of them.
Eat healthily
Poor eating habits and stress do not go well together. Having a healthy diet can help you control stress for a long time. Meanwhile, high-fat, high-sugar foods provide temporary relief for stress, but they end up adding to your long-term stress problems.
Take time off
Taking a time off now and then is a wonderful way to keep yourself away from stress-causing activities. Many people believe that their life is too busy for hobbies, fun, or other leisure activities. However, investing some time in such activities can improve your mental and body health. This will in turn increase your productivity levels.
Regular exercise
One important way to manage and improve stress is by regular exercise. Physical activities like walking, strength training, kayaking, and hiking are also helpful in reducing stress. You can also include smaller activities in your daily routine if you are having trouble finding time for such activities.
Express gratitude
Being thankful for all the wonderful things you have can help you reassess your stress and other difficulties. It is also important to help you remind yourself about the numerous people who want to see you have a happy life and also the numerous resources that can help you reduce your stress.
