Newsflash: You just lived through one of the most stressful years in human history.
If you’re having trouble managing stress and anxiety, you’re far from alone. As pressures pile up and life gets more hectic, achieving optimal health can be a serious challenge.
What can you do to prioritize your personal health and wellness? Here are five tips for better stress management.
1. Spend More Time in Nature
Do you feel like you’re locked indoors or chained to your computer? Our digital world may be “convenient,” but it’s doing nothing for our stress levels.
There’s a reason we all love taking a stroll on the seashore or walking through a forest. Spending time in nature lowers our blood pressure and stress hormones while elevating our mood and immune system function. If that’s not motivation to get outside and take a walk, we don’t know what is!
2. Learn to Calm Your Mind
An overactive mind will send your stress levels soaring. To combat those racing thoughts, try soothing activities such as:
- Mindful meditation
- Soaking in a warm bath
- Using an aromatherapy diffuser
- Writing in a journal
- Working on an arts and crafts project
- Adopt an attitude of gratitude
Even something as simple as lighting a few candles and listening to soft music can do wonders for your mental state. Switch off the television, silence your phone, and give it a try!
3. Consider a Stress Supplement
There are many natural supplements you could try to ease your stress and boost your mental health.
For example, many types of CBD products are designed to alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Take a look at the high-quality products offered by Ananda Hemp, one of the leading names in the CBD industry.
Other natural products you could try include magnesium, saffron, valerian, melatonin, or chamomile. Of course, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor before adding anything to your repertoire.
4. Find Ways to Relax Your Body
Prolonged stress doesn’t just affect your mind. It can take a toll on your body too. While you’re focusing on calming your mind, don’t forget to include your physical health in the equation too.
Try a soothing activity like yoga or Tai Chi. Get a massage, a pedicure, or another body treatment that makes you feel relaxed. It’s also worth reading up on progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) techniques, especially if you struggle with insomnia.
5. Get Plenty of Rest
Speaking of insomnia, you’ll never achieve optimal health if you’re not getting enough sleep. Experts recommend that adults get seven hours of sleep per night as a bare minimum.
However, during times of high stress, your body likely needs more than the minimum. Aim to get eight or nine hours of sleep and don’t resist the urge to take naps. Sleep gives your body the power it needs to regenerate, heal, and battle on.
Start Managing Stress More Effectively
If you’ve been struggling with effective stress management, take heart. Use some of the tips listed above and you’ll be well on your way to improving your health and wellness.
We’ve talked about managing stress, so what happens next? Keep browsing our site for more helpful health and lifestyle advice.
Leave a Reply