Relieve Your Stress With These 5 Tips
Health experts warn that prolonged stress compromises our immune system. So, we need to figure out a way to manage our stress levels.
Get to the root of your worries
The good news is that we are not entirely powerless to stress. We have the power to change our mindsets. It may not happen instantaneously, but it is possible. However, before we delve into the different stress-busting techniques, there is one thing you need to do: acknowledge your stress. Doing so helps you move from a place of being reactive to a position of control.
Next, think about what, in particular, is causing your stress. Are you most worried about your job and your future, or are you concerned that you or a loved one might get sick? Understanding the cause of your stress helps you examine your reaction to these stressors, which can help you determine the right stress reliever. Do you find yourself feeling angry, frustrated, confused, or sad? Is it affecting your sleep? How does your body feel when you're stressed? Do you hold your breath, or do your shoulders tense up?
Being aware of how you are affected by stress can help you address how you're feeling the next time you feel it. So, when you catch yourself feeling the same feelings, or you sense your body tensing up, you can do something about it right away.
Now you know how to identify your stress signals. Below, we've compiled five things that can help you shift your mindset.
Use your stress proactively
In times like this, there's not much under your control. But you can shift your focus on things that are under your control, such as washing your hands with soap and water often, disinfecting your gadgets, eating a balanced diet, and working from home if you're able to.
Talk to someone
Good relationships are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Talking to someone has the power to decrease the burden you're currently feeling. Furthermore, hearing a familiar and reassuring voice can help put things into perspective.
Exercise
Being cooped up indoors for a long time can make you feel restless. So, make sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. There are a lot of workouts that you can do indoors. Download the Fitness for Amputees app (for BK amputees), or search on YouTube.
If structured workouts aren't your thing, you can still get a dose of endorphins by ensuring that you move every hour. If you're binge-watching on Netflix, set a timer so you can stand up and walk around a bit. If you're taking phone calls, do so while standing up, or you can pace around.
Breathe
If you feel you need a break, you can do this simple breathing exercise. Sit on a chair with back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Breathe deep through your nose. Make sure the air fills your stomach, not your chest. Hold your breath for a count of three, then exhale through your mouth. Repeat three to five times until you feel refreshed.
Eat right
Eating right will not only keep your immune system up, but it will also help you manage your stress levels. Remember, what you eat also affects how you feel. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and don't drink too much coffee.
Go for healthier choices like fruits or vegetables, which help keep your blood sugar stable. Eating fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have also been proven to reduce the symptoms of stress, helping you manage your stress levels better.
Although stress is unavoidable, remember that you are not helpless. Certain things are under your control, and it will be better for your overall health if you focus on these.
How are you managing your stress levels at this time? Please share your tips with the rest of the community in the comments section below.
