I hear it all the time. I’m so stressed. I have so much to do. What can we do to stay up with the demands of our lives while decreasing the physiological results of a hectic life? Here are five easy ways you can destress.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Processed food and refined sugars are not only low in nutritional value and high in calories but can leave us feeling sluggish. Eating healthy food, those low in sugar, and high in nutrients can promote health and reduce stress.
2. Exercise
When you’re stressed hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released into your body. These are the same hormones responsible for the “fight or flight” response which is designed to protect us when we’re in danger. Unfortunately, our bodies go into the same fight or flight response when we are stressed. One way to turn off the response is through exercise. It not only calms the nervous system, but it breaks down excess stress hormones.
I find power yoga a great way to reduce my stress. The class forces me to focus on executing different poses and challenges my physical strength with inversion poses. I leave the class a better version of me.
3. Interact with Family and Friends
Just talking to someone about how you feel can decrease stress. It not only helps you release tension but can result in a different mind frame/perspective.
4. Get Sleep
Rather than relying on medication, you should focus on ways to get your body relaxed before going to sleep. Try taking a hot bath, reading a book, drinking a cup of decaffeinated tea (but not too much so your sleep isn’t interrupted by the urge to urinate), and avoiding tv, your phone and computer. Some studies have shown that the blue light emitted by mobile devices can interfere with sleep.
5. Tap into Relaxing Activities
Some people can turn off the worries of their day by completing crossword puzzles where others prefer coloring, listening to music, cleaning or meditating. It is important to find something that works for you and then incorporate into your nightly routine.
