Build these four steps into a daily wellness routine to lessen its effects:
1. Make it an ongoing goal
Setting a goal for yourself to manage stress is essential, because the process does not happen overnight. Stress will not disappear from your life, but you can be positively impacted with simple changes in your everyday life to reach this goal. By taking this first step, you are setting yourself up for success.
2. Take action against known stressors
Identify the things that make you stressed. Don’t forget, positive events can also be stressful. Take a step back and see what aspects you can control, and how you can strategically handle the problems. Some situations only allow you to control how you react. If you’re in the moment, consider the American Heart Association’s emergency stress stoppers.
3. Think proactively about mitigating stress
The best way to avoid future stress is to set yourself up for success. Use tools you can control like getting enough sleep, eating properly, avoiding excess caffeine and other stimulants to be your best self. By positioning yourself each day the best you can be, you may be able to handle situations differently and decrease stress.
4. Add relaxing elements to your routine
The American Heart Association recommends doing at least one thing every day that you enjoy for 15 minutes. You may be able to fit simple 5-minute habits into your schedule. Consider taking time to listen to music, work out, volunteer, journal or meditate on a regular basis. These are just some of the methods that can help you stay calm and feel more relaxed.
Remember, repairing the toll that stress takes on your mind and body is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Everyone will navigate stress differently and have different relaxation techniques. What is most important is selecting one that works best for you that achieves your goal of managing stress and living your best life.
