The Importance Of Living A More Stress-Free Lifestyle

The Importance Of Living A More Stress-Free Lifestyle

Stress is an issue everyone faces in their lives and can come from a variety of sources including pressures at school or work, dealing with a divorce,  the loss of a loved one, struggling with financial debt, being the victim of a crime, experiencing a traumatic event such as a car accident etc. However, according to Heathline, not handling and managing stress levels properly can lead to larger issues that take a toll on our mental and physical health such as illnesses, fatigue and loss of appetite due to frequent stress decreasing the strength of our immune systems. However, learning to handle stress in a positive way can provide positive benefits as people who manage stress tend to live longer and healthier lives, according to Mayo Clinic. Listed below are some tips on how to help handle stress in positive ways.

·         Exercise: According to Healthline, those who exercise regularly are more likely to maintain a healthier outlook on stress, as exercise helps produce serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that can ward off depression and anxiety and help create a more positive mood. Some simple ways to exercise daily include walking, jogging, zumba, swimming or riding a bicycle. 

·         Create a more calming environment at work and home: Creating a more relaxing environment can help to reduce stress. Ways to do so include cleaning out and reorganizing your work area or home and getting rid of unnecessary clutter. Creating more space in your home or work area can help to detox an environment and produce a simpler living or working environment.

·         Engaging in a relaxing activity: Every day, you should try to engage in a relaxing activity you enjoy. Partaking in an activity that you enjoy can help lower stress levels significantly and increase happiness. Some suggestions of simple activities you can do to take time for yourself include gardening, reading a favorite novel or magazine, playing chess, taking a warm bath, watching a favorite film or television series, fishing, writing a story etc.

·         Planning: When you begin to feel overwhelmed about all of the tasks and errands you need to complete, it can often increase your stress levels. Writing down a list of everything you need to accomplish for the day can help you organize everything by priority, putting your more important needs first. When you check off each task from your list, you will feel less stressed and more accomplished. However, if you cannot complete everything on your list in one day, don’t stress or feel guilty about it. Just do what you can every day and be proud of what you did accomplish, even if it was something as simple as getting your grocery shopping done, washing the dishes or getting gas for your car.