How to Reduce Work-Related Stress With Healthier Habits
Everyone knows that stress is bad for you and not just because it feels horrible. Stress contributes to health problems, relationship issues and can literally make you sick. Everybody experiences stress somewhere in their life, but the most common cause of tension is in the workplace. Unfortunately, the pressure caused by the work environment doesn’t stay at the job but comes home with you. If you’re struggling with lingering stress, here are several ways to fight it with healthier habits.
Perform More Exercise Outside
Sometimes when you’re stressed, the last thing you feel like doing is moving around. Curling up in front of the TV may sound like a more tempting option and although that’s fine sometimes, exercise will do more to get rid of work-related pressure. Outside exercise is especially beneficial as the fresh air is invigorating and spending time in nature is a natural stress-reliever. Sunshine will also give you your daily dose of vitamin D which aids in the absorption of calcium.
Get Enough Sleep Each Night
If you’re a night owl, you might not make the connection between lack of sleep and work-related tension. When you’re not getting enough sleep, it causes irritability, poor judgment and bad decision making. It also contributes to obesity, heart disease and even depression. How much sleep do I need to function well is a common question and is about seven hours per night for adults. If you’re only getting five or six hours of sleep, start winding down an hour earlier.
Incorporate Herbs Into Your Life
When you bring home stress from the workplace, it’s not good for you or your family. Another solution to let go of pressure is through the use of herbs. For example, people have been using chamomile tea for years to promote relaxation and relief from anxiety. Other herbs that are known for their stress-busting qualities are valerian root, ashwagandha and of course, lavender. Lavender is widely known for calming nerves especially when used as an essential oil in aromatherapy.
Nix Your Bad Habits
Do you have bad habits that are exacerbating your stress level? If you smoke or consume too much caffeine, you’re contributing to stress. Smoking is a horrible habit, but you might not know it also hinders relaxation. Nicotine increases your heart rate leaving you feeling anxious and on edge. The same is true if you drink too many caffeinated beverages which leave you feeling jittery and nervous. If you’re coming home with a stress headache every day, kicking these bad habits will help you feel more carefree and composed.
Add Meditation to Your Day
Even if you already live a healthy lifestyle, the nature of your job can still leave you feeling burned out, but meditation may help. If you’re able to carve out some alone time during your day, whether it be first thing in the morning or before bedtime, meditating may give you a sense of inner peace and tranquility. If you’re a beginner, meditation might feel impossible if you have a racing mind. Research different meditation techniques online and start with one that feels right for you.
Look For Laughter
When all else fails, look for laughter to get your mind off a tough day. You always feel better when you laugh, but yucking it up also has health benefits. Laughing loosens muscles that are tense when you’re feeling anxious. It also lowers your blood pressure and produces endorphins, the “feel good” body chemicals. To combat your work-related stress with laughter, look for a funny movie or find your favorite comedian online. You might also want to spend a little extra time with that one friend who has that demented sense of humor you love so much!
Conclusion
If work is taking its toll on you with a daily dose of stress, fight back with healthy habits. Exercising regularly, getting better sleep and laughing more often will make you feel better and improve your health at the same time.
