Life can be messy and, at times, stressful. Whether it’s being late for work, physical injuries, relationship challenges, illness, or overwhelming projects piling up at work – stress is an inevitable part of life. Too much of it, however, can be damaging, and it’s imperative that you find outlets to de-stress and relax.
Consider taking the following stress-relief tips to heart and amending what works for you:
Exercise – Some stress will cause a build-up of energy that isn’t always good. Exercising is a great way to release that built up of energy and find the relief you’re looking for. We’re not saying you have to go join your nearest gym. Instead, find something that you enjoy, like yoga, running, dancing, or boxing. If it gets you up and moving, and you enjoy doing it, you’ll discover the stress relief you need and deserve.
Music – Whether you play music or just listen to it, lose yourself in the lyrics and melody. There’s just something about a song that knows how to sooth you, that sings out the words you want to say and transports you out of reality. It may only be for a couple of minutes, but it’s a couple of minutes that could alter the course of your day and de-stress you enough to keep you going strong.
Writing – Write it down. Get those stressful thoughts and feelings out of your system and onto a blank page, which, might we add, has no feelings or rebuttals. It’ll take your stressful thoughts and dispose of them accordingly. And, who knows, your stresses could translate into a great story one day.
Change of Scenery – Pack up and hit the road. A vacation gives you a chance to clear your head and relax without a care in the world, and it gives you something to look forward too. Even something as simple as a weekend getaway can do the trick.
Rest – We all know that we function better throughout the day when we’ve had a restful night’s sleep, so sleep is something you should definitely invest in. Treat yourself to a cozy pillow and some luxury sheets to help you get the rest you need.
Unless you learn how to manage your stress, it can take a toll on your mind and body and can lead to a number of problems like weight fluctuation, overreacting to situations, depression and a variety of other health issues. Taking care of your mind, heart, body and spirit, should always be your number-one priority. Don’t let yourself collapse under the baggage of life. You’re no help to those around you, unless your whole self is functioning at its greatest potential.
Resources
http://www.chopra.com/ccl/10-ways-to-de-stress-your-mind-and-body
http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/5-ways-to-de-stress-and-help-your-heart
http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/strategies-for-de-stressing.aspx