Stress is a simple fact of life for all of us. It’s inescapable and takes form in a myriad of different ways, but that doesn’t mean it has to dictate how you live your life. Of course, negative feelings and anxiety take a toll on your day to day disposition, but when you let your stressors take hold of your life, you’re only doing yourself a disservice. Ongoing stress can cause or exacerbate a long-running list of health problems including depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more.
The good news? The vast majority of your stress can be managed with a few key habits or lifestyle changes. Using this guide, we’ll give you the guidance you need to take back control and cope with your stress in healthy, beneficial ways.
Table of Contents
Method #1: Get some exercise
Exercise offers a slew of attractive benefits for your physical and mental health. When you work out, mood-elevating chemicals in your brain are stimulated while stress hormones are reduced with every calorie burned. This fine rebalancing act gives you that jolt of energy and joy that you need to kick your mood back into shape.
What’s more, working out can help alleviate a vast array of symptoms of chronic stress if you’re consistent with your fitness routine. But let’s face it, developing a workout plan that you can maintain on a daily or weekly basis isn’t a total walk in the park. Place your focus on finding an activity that you enjoy doing so you have something exciting to look forward to. Try out these enjoyable and easy-to-commit-to sports:
- Rollerblading
- Kayaking
- Biking
- Aerobic yoga
- Surfing
- Skiing
Method #2: Turn to CBD
CBD has become one of the hottest wellness trends over the last decade, transforming the cannabis industry as we know it with each passing year. Extracted from part of the cannabis plant, this non-psychoactive element offers health benefits ranging from pain relief to stress alleviation.
When it comes to natural alternatives to other types of stress management treatments, CBD reigns supreme. CBD has been an effective natural alternative to other stress management treatment plans. From CBD pills by CBDfx to edible CBD gummies from Highland Pharms, there are several different ways you can intake the power of CBD.
Method #3: Take a vacation
When you’re swamped with work or have let personal problems get the best of your mental health, your best coping mechanism might be to pack a bag and take a vacation. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life is the ultimate way to truly get away and find your peace.
If you’re working with a limited budget, consider treating yourself to a creative staycation. Whether that means renting out a luxurious Airbnb in the beach town a few miles away or becoming a tourist in your own city, do something that allows you to capture that feeling of being away from home.
Method #4: Get an online counselor
There are certain stressors in life that can’t simply be wished away or dealt with by reading a self-help book. Sometimes talking things through with a trained professional can help you work through those things that linger on your mind for hours, days, or even months.
Severe stress has been closely linked to depression and anxiety. To combat the effects of those negative feelings, consider signing up for online counseling. Online counseling is usually more affordable than in-person sessions, so if you’re short on cash, fear not!
Method #5: Experiment with aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to treat both physical and mental conditions through the healing powers of natural plant extracts. There are several essential oils that are effective for stress treatment, including lavender oil, frankincense, bergamot, and ylang-ylang oil.
Not only is using essential oils a cost-effective way to de-stress, but it’s also incredibly pleasant to the senses. Choose between diffusing the oils or applying topically to reap the endless benefits of this all-natural coping mechanism.
Method #6: Practice mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness means dedicating time to slow down and collect your thoughts. By focusing on your physical surroundings, thoughts, feelings, and emotions rather than stressors, you can teach yourself how to manage your stress and move forward.
Mindfulness offers many proven health benefits. In addition to easing your stress levels, practicing mindfulness can:
- Improve physical health
- Benefit mental health
- Increase self-awareness
- Enhance daily engagement
Stress is inevitable. How you deal with it will help you become better and stronger, both in mind and in heart. How do you deal with your stressors? Which of these methods will you try? Let us know in the comments below!
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