Did you know that chronic stress can have serious
consequences on your health?
It’s true—stress can make sleeping difficult, weaken your immune system, and lead to other problems like heart attacks, strokes, anxiety, and depression. Plus, stress can cause irritability, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating, negatively impacting your work and personal relationships.
If you’re feeling stressed, one of the best things you can do is speak to a therapist who can recommend stress relief techniques tailored to your circumstances.
In the meantime, I’ve compiled the following 5 strategies for stress management.
1. EAT A NUTRITIOUS DIET
It’s very common for stressed individuals to turn to comfort foods, which are typically high in fat and sugar. But it’s essential to stick to a balanced diet, even in times of stress.
Research shows that certain foods can impact stress levels—for example, lean proteins & herbal teas can help reduce stress, while refined carbohydrates & caffeine can make you feel more stressed.
2. EXERCISE
Stress often causes chronic fatigue, and if that’s the case for you, you may have difficulty summoning the motivation to work out. But it’s important that you find a way to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine. Exercising can stimulate the body to produce endorphins and reduce its levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
3. ESTABLISH & MAINTAIN BOUNDARIES
Do you often feel stressed because you’re simultaneously being pulled in too many directions?
Setting healthy boundaries may help. For example, this may involve shutting down your computer at a particular time each day, speaking up when you have too much on your plate, and avoiding office gossip.
4. MAKE TIME TO RELAX
When work, school, and family obligations become overwhelming, you may feel like you don’t have any time left to focus on yourself, but it’s essential to carve out time for self-care and relaxation.
Think about what brings you peace—whether that’s going to the movies, getting a pedicure, or working on a jigsaw puzzle—and set aside time to do that on a regular basis. Start slowly, so you can work your way up to taking time out for yourself on a daily basis.
5. TRY MEDITATING
Research shows that focusing on what’s happening around you in the present moment and letting go of intrusive thoughts & feelings can significantly reduce stress levels.
Meditation is one of the tools by which you can learn to stay in the present moment. One of the best things about meditation is that it can be done almost anywhere, so you can employ this technique whenever you feel stressed throughout the day.
Need Help Coping With Stress?
If you’re looking to improve your stress management skills, I can help. Contact me today to schedule an appointment.
Noorayne@chevalierpsychotherapy.com
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