There are moments in our lives when the pressure of getting tasks done or the expectations around what we do are so great, stress becomes a constant companion.
No one likes stress, and no one’s bodies like it either. Chronic stress can affect everything from headaches to breathing to heart health. It probably does not make you feel less stressed to read that!
Fortunately, there are ways that you can build stress-relieving practices into your daily routine to help eliminate these feelings and find ways to take care of yourself.
Sometimes you can get so stressed, you can’t even account for all the things that are bothering you. That’s when journaling can be helpful for understanding and naming the stressors in your life. If journaling sounds intimidating, set a timer for 10 minutes and write anything that comes to mind, without judgment, onto a piece of paper. You can even rip the paper up afterwards and throw it away if you’re worried about someone reading it. Emotions are a form of energy, and naming emotions is one of the most important steps in helping to handle them in a healthy manner, the New York Times reports. It may even give you insight into what to do next.
Meditation is also a great way to take a step back from the day and regulate your emotions. There are a handful of apps with free components that can guide you through sessions as short as three minutes! Here are Healthline’s recommendations for the best meditation apps of 2022.
While work, friends, and family can fill up our calendars quickly, schedule time at least once each day to take care of yourself. Of course, different lifestyles and commitments mean this can be easier for some people and harder for others. Maybe this means taking turns with a partner to watch young children while one of you gets some self-care time. Or maybe if your children are older, you can have dedicated time where everyone in the family does one activity alone for a half hour. This teaches your family that taking care of oneself is important at every age, and helps children start their own practices early!
Physical activity is one of the best ways to release cooped up stress in the body. As Harvard Health Publishing explains, exercise releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and produces endorphins, which elevate our mood. So go for a walk around the block, or stroll through a natural area where you can hear birds, look at trees, or see running water. Go for a run, put on a dance video, practice yoga, or head to the gym. Find practices that feel good for your body.
Need more help for managing your stress or anxiety? Mental health professionals are a great resource for helping us take care of our wellbeing. Learn more on how to locate the right one for you.
Questions about health insurance? Contact a Sea Mountain Health Insurance Specialist today!
