Everyone gets stressed sometimes, but did you realize that stress can affect your health? Having a lot of stress can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Source: MayoClinic
Tips For Dealing with Stress
Having a plan for when you are feeling stressed can help you feel calmer. Try these methods and see which ones work best for you. You can also share these tips with your kids when they are feeling stressed.
Get Moving.
Try to get 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Exercise releases chemicals in your body that make you feel calmer. Do something you enjoy and gets your heart rate up.
Eat Healthy.
Focus on eating fresh foods with plenty of vitamins and nutrients. When you are stressed out, it is tempting to eat sweets and comfort foods but they can make you feel worse.
Ask for Help.
You are not alone. Connect with others who can help you, or share your worries with a friend.
Take Deep, Slow Breaths.
Focus on taking deep breaths. Deep breathing sends a message to your brain to relax. This can help you slow down and think more clearly.
Meditate.
Close your eyes. Focus on something you find calming. Maybe it is an image or sound. This can be a great way to refresh your mind and body.
Let It Go.
Are there ways you could make your life less stressful? Change what you can, and let the rest go. Some things are out of your control, so allow yourself to move on and try not to get upset.
Avoid Stressful Situations.
Don’t be afraid to say no to things. If certain people or activities make you feel stressed, make a plan ahead of time to avoid them.
Think Positive Thoughts.
Don’t be hard on yourself when something goes wrong. Instead, tell yourself that you can handle whatever comes up. You might feel silly at first, but re-training your mind to be positive can make a big difference in your response to stress.
Source: MedlinePlus
Feeling Stressed? Go for a Walk.
Walking keeps you fit and gets you where you need to go. It’s also a great way to de-stress! You don’t have to walk fast or walk for very long—even a 10-minute walk can do a lot of good. Enjoy the sounds of nature, or talk to a friend on the phone while you walk. Try to make walking a daily habit and see how much happier and healthier you feel.
Get Your Zzzs.
When you’re tired, everything seems harder. Being well-rested helps you keep your cool, so be sure to get enough sleep each night. The average person needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
- Try to turn off screens an hour before bedtime.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends.
- Try a sleep mask to block out extra light.
- It’s best to avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) after 2 p.m.
- Take a warm bath and unwind at the end of the day.
Be Active at Home
You don’t have to go to the gym to exercise. Learn how to be more active at home.