5 Ways to Kill Off Stress in Any Situation
Regardless of your life circumstance, stress probably plays a
role in some shape or form in your everyday life. Some days are worse than
others, but rarely can any of us truly say, “I’m 100 percent stress-free.”
Everyone, from homeless people to billionaires, is susceptible
to stress; there’s simply no way to avoid it. However, there are ways to reduce
the amount of stress you suffer from.
Here are five powerful tips for ways to kill stress in almost
any situation.
1. Eat
Healthier
Though a lot of stress is psychological, there are also plenty
of physical factors that contribute to this natural human response to perceived
danger. In order to mitigate stress, make sure you’re treating your body right.
A big part of this is eating healthier.
“There are no magic ‘anti-stress’ foods,” says Gilles Barbot,
founder and director of Esprit de Corps, a leadership coaching program.
“Nevertheless, adopting an alkaline diet instead of an acidic one is
recommended.”
Foods that are highly alkaline include baking soda, lemons,
lentils, onion, pineapple, pumpkin seed, raspberry, sweet potato, vegetable
juices, and watermelon. For a full list of alkaline foods, check out this
chart.
2. Wake Up
Earlier
It’s certainly true that the more sleep you get, the less prone
to stress you’ll be. However, waking up 15 or 20 minutes earlier each morning
may have more benefits than sleeping in.
By giving yourself some extra time, you won’t feel quite as
rushed or frazzled in the morning. This enables you to avoid having to rush out
the door, which leads to better preparation and more confidence.
“Take time in the morning to center yourself,” San
Francisco-based psychologist Leslie Carr advises. “A lot of people shoot out into
their days like a rocket ship and it never gets better from there.”
3. Let Stress
Motivate You
Since you’re never going to eliminate 100 percent of the stress
in your life, one of the best things you can do is let it motivate you. This is
what stress is designed to do, after all. The psychological and physical
reactions brought on by stress are supposed to heighten our senses and empower
us to fight off or escape a threat.
Next time you feel stress creeping in, take action. Stressed
about the amount of work you have to do this week? Stay three hours late
tonight and get a head start on tomorrow.
Stressed about your lack of income? Pick up a side job to earn
more money. Taking action is one of the most effective ways to kill stress.
4. Watch a
Funny Video Clip
Here’s a simple and practical tip: Watch a funny video clip on
YouTube. Research shows that seeing something amusing activates the part of the
brain that produces calm physiological responses and tranquility. This can lead
to less anxiety and more happiness.
5. Take a Walk
Outside
A walk a day keeps the doctor away … literally. Just as any
other cardiovascular activity does, walking boosts endorphins in the body,
which alleviates mild depression and improves mood. As a result, you’ll feel
less stressed and more alert.
Whenever possible, make sure you take your walk outdoors. A
number of studies show that spending time outside is a great way to relieve
stress. It can improve energy levels and memory by as much as 20 percent.
One UK study even suggests walks in green spaces put the brain
into a “meditative state.”
Learn How to
Manage Your Stress
It’s impossible to be stress-free. You simply can’t eliminate
all of the triggers in your life. As soon as one goes away, another one will
quickly emerge.
But having acknowledged that, you need to learn how to manage
stress by stopping it in its tracks. Keep the powerful tips above in mind and
never underestimate the rewards of remaining calm.
BY ANNA JOHANSSON
No comments:
Post a Comment