How to Relieve Stress?

What is Stress?

Stress is essentially how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened. This occurs when we are in circumstances where we are not in control or aren’t able to manage things around us. We can experience it as an individual (for example when we have a lot of things to manage and there is a lot to take care of) or even as a group (for example if the family is going through an economical or social crisis, or even if your community is going through a crisis, you feel for everyone around). 

Although stress is an unavoidable part of life, being chronically stressed can ultimately take a toll on both your physical as well as mental health. Several scientifically-backed studies show several strategies which can help reduce levels of stress and improve overall well-being as well. Of course, there needs to be a line that needs to be drawn- these techniques are only helpful for those who have mild or moderate elves of it. If you are experiencing a high level of stress, one that doesn’t allow you to function well, then you should consider making an appointment with a therapist or a professional healthcare consultant to discuss what can be done. 

8 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress

Stress has an important purpose in the scheme of evolution. It allows us to respond quickly to threats and avoid being in danger if we can help it. But of course, lengthy exposure to stress may lead to long-term mental health problems and even physical ones.  If you are someone who is going through stress, don’t worry, you are not alone, as most people all around you are also going through it. There are some simple and easy ways to relieve stress, with stress-relieving activities such as:

1. Get more physical activity

Moving your body consistently is a good method of stress relief. Participation in aerobic exercises 2 days a week can significantly reduce overall perceived stress. Exercise has been seen to improve signs of depression as well. It elevates one’s mood, and if you’re currently inactive you could start with gentle activities such as walking or biking.  Do something that you will be able to do on a long-term basis.

2. Follow a healthy diet

Since diet affects every aspect of your health, including your mental health, you have got to take care of it. Being stressed can lead you to overeat, or to reach out for highly palatable food, which can have overall harmful effects on your health and mood. Minimizing consumption of highly processed foods and beverages while replacing them with whole food such as fruits, veggies, beans, fish and nuts can keep your body feeling good and nourished. 

3. Practise self-care

Self-care is an essential feature to decrease stress, and setting aside some time just for yourself can be immensely helpful. Some things that you can do include taking a nice, hot bath, lighting candles, indulging in skin care routines, reading a book, exercising, stretching well, getting massages for yourself- anything that works for you.

4. Set realistic goals and expectations

More often than not, we set ourselves up for moments of anxiety by not setting realistic goals. If we have to finish 10 readings by the end of the month, that is a realistic goal- but trying to do 10 readings in a week will not only be very difficult, but it also gives additional stress because now you have inadequate time to prepare for it 

well. Planning realistic goals is therefore key in keeping additional stressors at bay. 

5. Reduce triggers of stress

There are most often too many things that need to be done and there is too little time or energy that allows for them to happen. If these are in cases that we have chosen, it is perhaps time to let them go. If there are people who are just adding more stress to your life, then maybe you hang out with them a little less. If there is a friend or a family member who just shows up unannounced and that causes you to stress, maybe this time you tell them to respect your boundaries and call, rather than show up unannounced. Free up time for yourself by managing your time well. 

6. Meditate

Meditation allows short-term stress relief as well as long-lasting stress management benefits. There are various kinds of meditation that exist, and each one has its appeal and uniqueness. Try developing a mantra that you repeat in your mind as you take slow and deep breaths. Be in the moment, be mindful of what you’re seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling around you. When you’re focused on being here, you won’t be able to ruminate about something that has already happened and you don’t worry about something that may or may not happen in the future. This keeps you in the present, and this takes practice, but can make an overall difference in your stress levels since it keeps you grounded. 

 7. Practice yoga

This is a popular way of getting stress relieved. Even though the styles differ, most people have the same end goal. Several studies show that yoga helps reduce stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. It promotes well-being and overall has been shown to reduce stress in the body. It keeps cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rates in check as well. Yoga to relieve stress is important to ensure a reduction in stress. 

8. Obtain social support

Social support from friends, family, and loved ones is really essential in getting you through stressful times. If you’re feeling alone and don’t have friends or family to depend on, look for support groups to relate to. You could join a club or get into sports or even volunteer for a cause that connects with you.

If in case you or someone you know is running out of stress issues, it is advisable you get them treated by psychiatrists or a counselor. Though stress can be managed but should not be neglected. Know more about stress, symptoms of stress, and the best treatment facility for the same by visiting www.cadabamshospitals.com or call us @+91 97414 76476 to talk or book an appointment with our best psychiatrist or psychologist to help you deal with stress.