How To Reduce Stress In Everyday Life
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Stress, unfortunately, is natural. No matter your lifestyle or line of work, stress is guaranteed to make an unwelcome visit. While some create their best work under pressure, there is no denying that stress creates an uncomfortable feeling and environment in your day.
There is some good news. Becoming stressed can sometimes be a sign signaling that you care about your job or whatever role you are currently playing in life. Like being nervous before a performance, sometimes stress simply comes from the want to do well.
However, some forms of stress can be debilitating. Look below for some helpful ways to reduce stress in your everyday life: before it builds too heavily on your shoulders. I first tried yoga, but apparently it actually takes skill, and is much harder than I previously thought….
Time out, zone out
Build some rest blocks into your day. Look for times when you are naturally less productive, and instead of trying to do work, plan to take a break. Use this time to be present in doing nothing. This could involve taking a nap, short video, or journaling break-anything that requires complete peace and no perfection.
Focus on your breathing
If you don’t have time for a designated break, or need to recenter during a workday, try focusing on your breathing. Take a few seconds to pull away from your task and listen to your own breath. Feel your chest and stomach rise and fall, and let your thoughts wander where they want to. Try to continue this until your thoughts slow down, even if it’s only by a little bit.
If you can take a little more time for this, find a secluded area and rest your hands on your abdomen. Feel your body move with your breath, and focus on these areas. Try to deepen your breaths and feel your feet centered on the ground-it may just center your mind as well.
Plan ahead
There are some sudden events or circumstances that no amount of planning can prevent or protect from. However, a lot of daily stresses can be prevented with planning. Plan to go to bed and wake up a little earlier to have time to adjust for last minute changes or needs.
Have a busy schedule? Make a time table for your busy day at least the night before. Include when you will wake up, what you need to bring to what location, and solutions to possible problems that may arise. Pack extra snacks as pick-me-ups and solutions to midday hunger. Having a set list ahead of time will ease your worries and help save you in a pinch, too.
Try some table toys
Who says only kids can play with playdough? Try bringing a a stress ball or some playdough to work and don’t be afraid to take it out when you need it. While exercise or small exercise activities can help reduce stress, they aren’t always appropriate in every workplace.
Don’t play it by ear
Even if you’ve had a stress-free day, week, or month, don’t go another day without a stress-reducing plan. You never know when stress will hit, and stress-reducing activities can benefit your health even before you direly need them. Try implementing some today.
