Stress doesn’t just impact our thoughts, feelings and behaviour, it can have a severe impact on our bodies too. Thanks to the demands of the modern world, keeping stress at bay has become harder than ever before. In today’s high-pressure society most of us are juggling heavy workloads, while still trying to find moments to catch up with friends and save a few hours for that all-important ‘me-time’. Not to mention, the additional strain that can be caused by health difficulties and other personal problems.
Symptoms associated with suffering from stress can vary from mild fatigue and headaches to more serious issues such as anxiety and intense anger. So, staying calm under pressure is vital for maintaining your overall wellbeing. Here are 5 ways you can de-stress as we head into the new year.
Exercise more
A proven stress management strategy is to get more physical exercise. When you play sports, train in the gym or even just go for a walk, the movement triggers the release of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. They are also our bodies’ natural painkillers. Exercising can help regulate sleep patterns and can be a great remedy for stress-induced insomnia.
What’s more, exercising encourages people to get outside and interact with others. Breathing fresh air is a proven way to de-stress as studies have shown that spending more time outside reduces the production of our stress hormone cortisol. Making time for positive social interactions also has great de-stressing benefits.
To stay on top of your fitness regime for 2020, why not try tracking your health in one of the many state-of-the-art health apps that can be downloaded straight to your phone? MyFitnessPal is great for monitoring your daily routine while apps like Fitplan offer personal training for a fraction of the cost of a one-to-one session IRL.
Try music therapy
Listening to music is proven to relieve stress, but the way in which it does so all depends on the tempo. While more upbeat tunes are great for boosting your mood, listening to slower tempo music can have a profoundly calming effect on the body.
In fact, listening to music is also a great way to boost concentration. Its unique ability to reduce stress, and enable clear thinking is why it’s so often used as an aid for studying and to accompany players during poker games.
Address your work/life balance
A recent study found that 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress, so it’s never been more important to address your work/life balance. Everyone deserves some time off from their busy schedules, so plan ahead for 2020 and get a relaxing break in the diary.
Instead of heading off on a hectic, sightseeing-filled city holiday, swap it for a more tranquil setting to get the most out of your trip. Whether it’s a week in pure luxury at a 5-star spa, swimming in crystal clear waters and soaking up the sun, or finding a cute cottage closer to home, taking some time to rebalance away from the office can do wonders for your stress levels.
De-clutter your home
The Marie Kondo effect went viral for a reason. Living among clutter can cause unnecessary stress so there’s no time like the present to get rid of your unwanted items. In fact, clearing out spaces that are overwhelmed with things you don’t need not only has a calming effect on the body but is said to boost creativity and productivity too, making it a must for those who work from home.
De-cluttering also makes your home easier to tidy, which can make the prospect of cleaning up a lot less stressful than it ordinarily is.
Analyse your diet
You’re sure to have heard the phrase, ‘you are what you eat’. That’s why eating foods that nourish your body can have a significant impact on reducing your stress levels. If you’re prone to binging on takeaways and guzzling chocolate bars, you’re likely to see the results of your bad diet in your physical appearance. For example, studies found that carbohydrates and processed sugars can be responsible for acne breakouts.
Steering clear of processed and sugary foods, and eating a clean diet full of fruits and vegetables, will keep your digestive system stress-free and running smoothly.
Another great way to reduce stress on the body through dietary changes is by eating more anti-inflammatory foods; these include tomatoes, olive oil, leafy green vegetables and fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
