We all live with some sort of stress. For many of us, we have developed ways to stress less; however, stress does more than just make you tense and keep you awake at night, It can affect your health. Dr. Greg Wells, author of The Ripple Effect: Eat, Sleep, Move and Think Better, says, “It’s difficult to stay healthy and energized when stress is a daily reality. Chronic stress can damage your body, threaten your mental health, put a strain on relationships, and take the joy out of life.”
Since none of us want to face that, it’s important we destress. Dr. Wells suggests you try these seven stress-busting activities:
1. Move Your Body
Rhythmic, repeated motion is particularly soothing to the mind and body. A long walk, cycling, swimming, or running will all work, but any kind of movement relieves tension, improves circulation, and clears your mind.
2. Get Into Nature – 7 Ways to Stress Less
Head to the garden, the park, or the woods to lower your blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, reduce tension and depression, and boost your mood. It’s stunning how good it is for your health to be in nature—and leave your cell phone and earbuds at home.
3. Practice Yoga Or Tai Chi
Therapy, yoga and Tai Chi are good ways to decrease stress and anxiety, increase energy, and boost the immune system. They also give you more stamina—needed in stressful times—and improve the quality of your sleep.
4. Have Perspective – 7 Ways to Stress Less
Don’t be so quick to conclude that you “can’t handle” a stressful situation. This is truly a mind-over-matter opportunity. Believing that you are strong and resourceful actually makes you stronger and more resourceful. Don’t give in to negative self-talk about not having what it takes to manage life.
5. Change The Nature Of Your Response
Research indicates that taking an active, problem-solving approach to life’s challenges relieves stress and can transform it into something positive. If you withdraw, deny the problem, or spend all your time venting, you’ll feel helpless. Instead, be determined to make a change, put effort into it, and plan for better results.
6. Practice Slow, Deep Breathing – 7 Ways to Stress Less
Start applying the power of deep breathing each day. It will make a huge difference. Start small by taking three deep breaths each time you sit down at your desk—in the morning, after breaks, after lunch, and so on. It will help you become more patient, calm, and relaxed.
7. Block Time For Single-Tasking
Each day, schedule time in your calendar for focusing exclusively on one task. This task should be something that is important to you. People love to talk about multi-tasking, but while doing several things at once might make it seem as if you are working hard, it’s an illusion. Your body and mind are not designed to work that way and it causes extra stress.
“Ultimately, Wells says, “it’s important to remember that your thoughts have a strong influence over stress levels. What you choose to think about, or not think about, dictates how your body and mind react to everyday life.
Rieva Lesonsky is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and self-educated health nut. Follow her @Rieva.
This article originally appeared on TalkaboutWellBeing.com, 7 Ways to Stress Less.
