Relationships July 30, 2019
Say goodbye to stress
Pressure at work? Drama in your social life? Or just bugging out for unknown reasons? Here are 10 simple ways to deal with stress in your everyday life.
Women have a lot of stress to deal with on the daily– I know I find myself frequently overwhelmed by some of the smallest tasks. With my 9-5 job, I have to make time for my friends, I have to make time for my boyfriend, I have to have hobbies, look good, work out and eat healthy. Literally even the “girl boss'” bare minimum is exhausting. Luckily, we have 10 ways for you to deal with everyday pressures of life and remain super zen.
Ok, this may seem like mission impossible, like, I need that morning coffee and evening chardonnay. But research shows that stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine increase stress level and that alcohol in small quantities (that evening glass of wine) behaves in the same way a stimulant does. Yes, kiddies, this means quitting the Juul too.
Cardio is your friend so get that heart pumping with plenty of aerobic exercise. The Cleveland Clinic explains that aerobic exercise decreases your resting heart rate and recommends it as a method for coping with stress. Running not your thing? Try cycling, rowing, swimming, dance and even walking (my personal fav)!
According to an article by PsychologyToday, screens are a major stress trigger. They also explain that screen usage before bed affects the body’s ability to sleep well and we all know how important sleep is to our wellbeing and ability to cope with stress. We suggest instead of hours of scrolling through Instagram, you put the phone away at least an hour before bed and try reading a book instead (or magazine if it’s been a while).
Ok laughter is serious guys. In fact, it is recommended by the Mayo Clinic as a major source of stress relief. There are so many proven benefits, both short term and long, of laughing. So we suggest texting your funniest friend or watching a good sitcom ASAP.
Journaling is a great way to not only vent your emotions but also figure out the source of your stress. In a study by the University of Rochester Medical Center, it was found that journaling provided many mental health benefits– such as “helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns” and “tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them.”
You’ve heard it all before– Meditation! Yoga! Zen! etc. But seriously, yogis are totally on to something here. According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga is basically a super healer, with proven results to reduce stress, heal chronic conditions and improve overall fitness. If you’re too ADHD for regular yoga (like myself), I suggest trying classes like CorePower’s YogaSculpt, which has the added benefit of cardio (that’s two stress birds, one relief stone).
According to The American Heart Association, spending time outdoors and in nature can seriously help reduce stress. A Behavioral Science study shows that “visiting natural environments can be beneficial in reducing both physical and psychological stress levels.” So instead of the mall, head to the nearest hiking trails, beach or leafy green park.
One simple trick for quick stress relief is aromatherapy. The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Center explains that both chronic anxiety and everyday stress can be reduced by aromatherapy. To practice this at home, you can buy your favorite essential oils and get creative– maybe add a few drops to your bath or dab a small amount on your pulse points. You can also buy essential oil sticks to use on the go.
This behavioral science study shows that spending time with animals has a variety of benefits for human health– especially relating to stress reduction. Spending time with a pet is a great way to feel better, so we recommend snuggling up with your doggo. If you don’t have one, sign up for a service such as Wag or Rover so you can look after or walk your neighborhood furry residents. This is also a great way to make extra money!
With so many obligations and people in your life, you’re probably spreading yourself way too thin. But sometimes it’s ok to be selfish and take time out just for YOU. If you’re not in the mood, don’t go out tonight! Every once in a while we all need hermit nights where we binge watch our fav shows.
We hope you found these stress tips helpful. Namaste ladies.
