Exercise

Physical movement is essential for combating and preventing stress. Regular exercise gives you the energy to manage your time and handle your commitments. If you don’t already have a workout routine, starting one may seem like an additional stressor; however, once you find the style of exercise that suits you best, you’ll find yourself looking forward to those few minutes each day when you can focus on body movement and nothing else.

Eat Clean

Food is fuel, and fueling your body is what keeps you alive. You can probably survive on coffee and donuts, but you may constantly feel jittery, sick or sluggish. Giving your body the nourishment it deserves will give you the energy to get through your day. Find the nutritional balance that works for you and stick to a diet that supports your brain and body function. Avoid foods that trigger negative responses and lead you to feel unnecessary stress.

Reevaluate Your Finances

One of the main causes of stress is money, or the lack thereof. Thankfully, creating a budget is simple and you can usually trim your expenses to fit within your income. You may need to cancel your HBO subscription and switch to cheap car insurance for a little while, but you’ll feel better knowing your finances are no longer one of the heavy items on your plate.

Learn To Say No

Letting go of stress means prioritizing your time and setting boundaries with other people. If you don’t want to go out with your coworkers after a long shift, then don’t. If you need a weekend to yourself, tell your friends you’re busy, even if your only plan involves a new bath bomb and a glass of wine. A little self-care goes a long way toward managing your mental health.

Stop Scrolling

How much time do you spend staring at your screen? Those are minutes you could be using to cook yourself a nice meal or finish retiling your bathroom. Whether you’re addicted to Amazon, Instagram or both, your mind needs a break from the constant stimulation your phone provides. You may think of your bedtime scrolling habit as relaxing, but the light from your screen actually prevents your brain from winding down, causing sleep disruption. Without restful sleep, you can’t effectively manage your daily life, which only adds to your stress levels.

See Your Friends

Humans are social creatures, and genuine connection is important for your mental and emotional stability as well as your overall well-being. Meeting a friend for coffee is more than getting away from work or out of the house for an hour. It also promotes happiness and creativity, leading to an overall sense of belonging and purpose. When you start to feel stressed by your daily obligations, carve out some time to see the people you love most and have meaningful communication.

Be Grateful

When you feel bogged down by everything going wrong in your life, it can be hard to appreciate the things that go right. Chances are, you have a lot in your life to be grateful for, like your family, your home and your health. Don’t forget the little things, like your favorite pair of jeans and the “Best Mom Ever” coffee mug you got for your birthday. Take a moment to improve your mental and emotional wellness by practicing gratitude for things you have and stop worrying about the things you don’t.

Most of all, listen to your body when it tells you to slow down and don’t let stress consume your life. 

Add This Entry To Your CureZone Favorites!