It looks like stress is this century's most widespread disease. Besides the obvious fact that stress makes us unhappy, it can also wreak havoc on our bodies and overall health. It's well known that stress can lower the immune system making you more susceptible to all kinds of ailments.
But what can be done about it? Sometimes it seems like finding a solution is impossible, but the truth is, it's not.
I'm not going to tell you to meditate or keep a gratefulness diary. Of course, you can do that, and it may work for some people, but I do think there are a few more important things you need to think about first. Here are some of my favorite mindful ways to handle stress, and hopefully they will help you get the relaxation you truly deserve.
Are you stuck in a "bad" routine? Is your daily "to do" list giving you a headache? There's nothing wrong with wanting to have a lot of activities but wanting to do too much every day can definitely lead to stress.
Because you never get to finish all the things you wanted to do in the first place. Because you might do things in a hurry and often fail at doing them properly. Because you are trying to please everyone around you, and you end up feeling miserable.
Take a deep breath and revise your activities then setup priorities. Leave some space for family time, relaxation, meetings with friends and anything else that makes you feel happy and relaxed. In other words the opposite of stress.
Laughing is one of the best remedies to combat stress. We tend to forget that when we're too stressed, but it's easy to get back your good mood. Watch a comedy, make some jokes with friends and have some fun activities.
If you're always frowning you will never be able to destress and relax, plus laughing is one of the easiest ways to handle stress.
Aromatherapy is a powerful weapon. There are plenty of essential oils that can successfully combat stress, and they can help you relax alongside family members. If you're looking to relax after a tiresome day, lavender is one of the most commonly used essential oils for the purpose. Diffusers, scented candles, infused baths….there are plenty of ways to make use of the wonderful properties of EOs, so by any means, make the most of them.
More often than not, our sources of stress come from others. A troubled teenage child, a horrible boss, an unhappy relationship….etc. It can be incredibly easy to get stuck in a stressful situation, and just as difficult to get out of it.
However, you need to admit to yourself what's causing all that stress and make a plan to solve the problem, even if the solution is not something you can achieve quickly. Otherwise you might remain stressed for years to come, and nobody really wants that.
Insecurity can affect us in many ways, starting from an early age. Being insecure on your decisions and actions can be a great source of stress and also make you undervalue yourself. This can lead to abuse from others that prey on your weaknesses.
Sadly, this is an internal battle we all need to fight alone, but acknowledging the problem is the first step. Meditation and therapy can also help, but let's face it – all of us need to fight our fears by ourselves. In the end, there's not much others can do besides provide moral support.
This seems like such a simple thing to do, right? Well, it is! But it certainly works. Listening to music you love can reduce stress significantly so why not do it every once in a while? From all the possible ways to handle stress, this is certainly one that's easy to achieve.
Even if you don't have a pet, you probably have friends that do. Don't be afraid to pet that fur ball of cuteness, regardless if it's a cat or a dog. They will likely be happy to receive your affection and give it back tenfold, which will take off the edge.
The love of a pet is a great therapy, and it's very easy to get some even if you don't have one. The local shelter is probably full of lonely cats and dogs (and possibly other animals) waiting for some affection.
New makeup, a massage, a SPA day, a new hairstyle and there are plenty of other ways you can pamper yourself and forget your worries even if just for a short while. Most of us don't have the time or the money to do this very often, but find a way to reward yourself at least once a month. I'm confident you can fit that into your budget.
It's well known that engaging in physical activities releases endorphins which lift our mood. Since there are so many ways to exercise, experiment a bit to find out the activities you actually enjoy.
Working out doesn't need to be a chore, it needs to be fun and rewarding! This way you can reap both mental and physical benefits.
These are some of my favorite ways to handle stress. I hope they can help you handle your own, and even avoid it when possible! What other ways to handle stress are you using? Share your experience in the comments section below.