How To Control Stress And Live Better
By Gabriel J. Adams
We can’t always control the factors in our lives that lead to stress, but we can control how we react to stress and what we do to better equip our bodies and our minds for dealing with stress.
Below are eight tips that will help you reduce stress in your life and let you age well.
Indulge in regular stretching and relaxation breaks. Whether it’s a full session of yoga or simply a time-out to stretch out your muscles, getting up and indulging in a breathing exercise can do wonders for reducing your stress levels.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed inside the house or stuck at work, try going for a quick walk outside followed by a couple minutes of stretching.
Get enough sleep. Sleep is critical when it comes to reducing your stress levels. If you’re behind on your sleep, a short nap can help, but so can making a commitment to go to bed earlier. Even if you’re not tired, practice lying quietly in bed and regulating your breathing. Remember, you don’t need pills to beat insomnia.
Cut down the caffeine. Not only will caffeine affect your sleep habits, it can lead to aggravation, anxiety and irritability. If you’re hooked on hot beverages, try herbal tea or sugar-free cocoa instead.
Delegate tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask your children, friends or spouse for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, call in a favor and give yourself time to focus on tasks that only you can do.
Avoid procrastination. At the beginning of each month, week or day, go over your calendar and set your personal priorities. By staying on top of bills, work deadlines, family responsibilities and household tasks, you’re less likely to feel the stress associated with missed deadlines or rushed jobs.
Learn to say no. Don’t be afraid to say no. If your friend asks you to baby-sit or your children try to rope you into helping them paint their new house, be assertive enough to say no. That doesn’t mean you can’t do favors for other people, but rather that you should put a value on your time instead of giving it away freely.
Clean your personal environment. Unloading unused junk and mounting clutter can be a fantastic stress-buster. By cleaning out your filing cabinets, garage or overflowing basement, you’ll immediately be freed from the burden of all that stuff.
Stay on top of personal finances. By saving for the future and making a monthly commitment to sitting down and reviewing your financial status, you’ll reduce your financial stress significantly. Even if you’re having financial problems, being in control of them will lower that associated stress.
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