Stress is a natural part of life; self growth and improvement involves facing stressful situations, circumstances and decisions. However, high levels of chronic and unmanaged stress can cause or worsen illness and disorders such as allergies, autoimmune reactions, arthritis, depression and heart disease. Just getting out of bed and getting to work on time can be stressful for many people. This explains why many heart attacks and strokes occur between 6 am and 8 am.
It is possible to implement stress control methods to decrease some of the harmful effects of stress on the mind, body and soul. These include following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, connecting with loved ones, improving attitude and reactions, and prioritizing daily life.
Stress can be reduced significantly by changing lifestyle habits, patterns and attitudes to more healthy ones. This provides more energy, stamina and clear thinking to deal with all forms of stress.
The Right Foods Decrease Stress
The risk for many diseases and illnesses is also decreased by maintaining a healthy weight and eating toxin-fighting foods. Eat a well-balanced diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, with moderate amounts of protein and low in fat. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine or sugared drinks that increase anxiety and decrease long-term energy levels.
Why a Hug Decreases Stress
Research shows that the simple act of holding hands reduces activity in areas of the brain that respond to stress. According to a study published by the Association for Psychological Science (20;7 August 2007), this is especially true for women who experience a significant drop in stress levels when holding their husbands' hands. These findings also help to explain why married couples live longer, healthier lives. A hug works much the same way and talking about what's bothering you with family and friends helps to gain perspective and support.
Stop Procrastinating and Multitasking
To decrease stress that occurs on a daily basis, take a good look at lifestyle and living habits. Procrastination, multitasking and a disorganized lifestyle can drastically increase stress levels. Getting organized, scheduling tasks in order of priority and making to-do lists are simple ways to decrease stress because things that are needed will be easier to find and tasks such as paying the bills won't be delayed or forgotten. Also be mindful in every task, turn off the TV, and get offline to be better able to focus for more efficient results.
Learn to Say "No" and Have Realistic Expectations
Don't set unrealistic goals or accept more responsibility at work, a child's school or even in a social or volunteer setting. Prioritize life, perform as well as possible and learn to say "no" when additional tasks cannot be taken on without affecting health and other responsibilities. Learn the meaning of enough and set boundaries for people who bring consistent negative complaints and demands. Additionally, learn to accept the things that cannot be changed such as traffic or an irritating co-worker, before frustration and anger builds up into harmful symptoms of stress.
Compassion Reduces Stress
Practice compassion; be kind to yourself and to others. Trying to be someone you are not or someone you are not comfortable being will lead to stress and depression. Let off steam regularly with a walk or a jog in the fresh air, a yoga class, meditation or a deep breathing exercise - even for only 10 to 20 minutes a day.
Stress management techniques provide the strength and skills to see the positive side of life and what is really important in the grand scheme of things to cope in more productive ways.
Related Articles:
- Can Stress Cause Illness?
- How to Improve Memory and Concentration
- St. John's Wort to Reduce Depression and Anxiety
Reference:
TAX101
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
