Life is naturally very stressful. After a busy day of work, you are greeted with a long list of errands that need to be done. You need to pick the children up from school, take them to their after school activities, do the grocery shopping, plan and prepare the family meals, make it to that doctor's appointment, clean the house, the list goes on and on.
This equals a lot for your body and mind to handle. Keeping both your mind and body in tip top shape is super important, because after looking at the long list of things you have to do, you don't have time to get sick. There are several things that you can do to both manage and eliminate the stress of day to day living. These simple things can have a huge positive impact on the way you view your day and essentially live your life.
Here are my top 10 tips that I use to keep my stress in check everyday.
1. Deal With It: Stop for a moment and ask yourself, "How do I deal with stressful situations?" The way that you deal with stress will ultimately effect the way that you feel overall. If the issue that is stressing you out is completely out of your control, you have to learn to accept it and move on. If the issue is something that you do have control over, then you have the control to change it. Instead of worrying about something that can be fixed, use that time to actually fix it.
2. Get Your Om On: The world that we live in today is buzzing with information all around us. Whether it is the television, voicemail or dinging of the text and cell phone messages coming through to your phone, the overload of all of this information can be stressful. We have all heard that practicing yoga and meditation can have a positive effect on your overall health. Try to fit in a little "Om" time each day, just for yourself. Whether it is to practice your yoga poses or meditate, those few minutes each day can help to clear your head, align your chakras and let your worries float away.
3. Work it Out: Studies show that getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you stay healthy and keep your stress level in check. I think almost everyone can fit at least 30 minutes of exercise into their daily routine. If that means getting up 1/2 hour earlier, taking a longer lunch break, or scheduling it into your day, it is something that you should really consider. Exercise can have a direct effect on your mood, health and lessen your stress load.
4. Get Some Shut Eye: Sleep is one of the key elements to keeping your stress in check. If you feel tired and worn out, then almost anything will stress you out. A good night's rest of 8 hours gives your body and mind the time that it needs to renew itself. Getting enough rest is also beneficial to the work that you produce during the day, your interactions with others and your overall health and well being.
5. You Are What Your Eat: Food is energy, and energy is something that if you lack, your stress levels will rise. Eating a diet that is well balanced and rich in organic proteins, green leafy vegetables, fruits, low in saturated fat and high in antioxidants can boost your health and help to lessen your stress levels. You should also try to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day - more if you exercise. And you may also want to consider a natural vitamin and mineral supplement if necessary.
6. Laugh it Up: It is hard to be stressed out if you are laughing. Whether it is having a funny conversation with a friend, watching your favorite comedy film or flipping through the comics in the newspaper, laughing is a great way to beat stress. If you are having a hard time finding a good laugh you could always join a Laughter Yoga Club.
7. If You Love it, Do it: Having activities in your life that you truly love can actually reduce your stress level. Whether it is golfing, biking, hiking, painting, writing, gardening or photography - an activity that involves movement will slow down your mind, lift your mood and overall improve your life. Try to take a little time, several days a week to engage in an activity that you really enjoy.
8. Skip the News: Do you find yourself having a perfectly stress free day, only to be bombarded by the horrible things reviewed on the nightly news? Watching the news isn't the best thing for your health, especially when the news is riddled with disaster and sadness. Instead of watching the news before bedtime, engage in a really good book or television show that is entertaining without the negative impact.
9. Take A Deep Breath: If you find yourself on the verge of a stress breakdown. Slow down, close your eyes, take a deep breath and chant a word or phrase that has special meaning to you, such as "Om", "Relax", "Breathe" or "I can handle this." Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth, saying the word or phrase in your mind as you exhale. Repeat several times until you feel your stress level lower.
10. It's OK to Cry: Crying is actually very beneficial to your health and is shown to reduce stress levels. It lets your body release any pent up energy and is also known to release neurochemicals that can promote relaxation in the brain. There is a reason that after a good hard cry, you feel better. So, if something is bothering you, don't hold it in, cry it out.
How do you manage your stress? Please leave your comments below!
Photo Credits
Lead Image: Chrysaora, Meditation: Drab Makyo, Sleep: karschsp, Laughter: Ernst Moeksis, Newspaper: Louis Beche, Crying: Stef Thomas
