Stress affects most of us at one time or another and can have many negative effects on our bodies and our minds. It can disrupt sleep, trigger anxiety, cause irritability, and generally make us feel pretty low at times.
Knowing how to manage stress and, even more importantly, how to avoid it can make a big difference to our day to day lives. Here are 4 ways to reduce stress and boost your mood.
Stay active
Exercise is a great way to reduce and minimize stress levels. When we exercise, our bodies release mood-enhancing endorphins, which can make us feel far happier and more content.
So, the next time you feel wound up, why not go for a run or take part in an exercise class? You might be surprised at how effective it is.
Reduce your social media time
If you are one of the millions of people who regularly use social media, have you ever considered that it could be affecting your stress levels? It can be easy to get wrapped up in what people say or be triggered by the photos they post.
Many people even find themselves becoming embroiled in online debates with people they don’t even know. Social media interaction can cause an increase in stress so try to keep it to a minimum and, where possible, avoid getting into discussions that could wind you up.
Gardening can reduce stress
Gardening is a great way to keep your mind focussed and is known to help combat stress. What’s even better is that you don’t need to have a huge garden to get started. Modern outdoor planters come in a range of sizes to suit any outdoor space and are a brilliant way for a beginner to start their gardening journey.
Whether you fancy planting a range of flowers and plants or have always liked the idea of growing herbs or vegetables, gardening will help you to relax and wash away the stresses of the day.
Getting the right balance
If you have a stressful job or a very demanding career, it can be hard to find the right balance between work life and home life. If you do feel that the pressures of the job are following you home and you are regularly anxious or stressed, consider whether any changes can be made.
Speak to your line manager if you feel that there is an uneven work distribution or if you know you can’t cope at the same pace for much longer. If possible, switch your phone off when you get home and make a concerted effort to be present and focus on your family.
Many people reach a stage in their lives when their priorities change. Money and ambition are replaced with calm and contentment.
Conclusion
Life is too short to feel regularly stressed, and it can also cause long-term health issues, so if you feel like it is getting out of hand, don’t delay in doing something about it.
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