Some days, it’s easy to count your blessings and smile. Other days, it’s not. To soothe your soul and banish the anxiety, check out our tips for dealing with stress below.
Tips for Dealing with Stress
Stress is a sensation of physical or emotional tension or pressure. While it can provide a short-term burst of energy or clarity, too much of it can leave you feeling jittery, angry, and overwhelmed. Learning how to manage your stress effectively allows you to take back at least some control over your situation, which can be a source of immense satisfaction. Interestingly, managing your stress can also benefit your well-being. After all, too much stress can have negative health impacts, so simply reining in your stress levels can be helpful. However, many of the strategies used to deal with stress can also directly benefit the body. Which tips for dealing with stress will you choose? There are many possibilities.
Exercise
Physical activity is a great way to lower your stress levels, and it benefits both the mind and the body. Exercise prompts your body to reduce neurotransmitters called endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood-lifters. Regular exercise can also reduce pain and improve strength, flexibility, and balance, making it easier for you to do the things that you enjoy doing each day. As an added bonus, incorporating a workout into your day can help you sleep soundly at night, reducing the risk that you’ll be stressed by insomnia or other sleep problems. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to do the trick. Yoga, tai chi, walking, biking, and swimming are all low-impact activities, but they’re great at reducing stress.
Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks
Eating healthy really does make a difference. Skipping meals or grabbing sugary snacks when you’re feeling stressed may leave your body faltering because it lacks the fuel it needs to run efficiently. This is likely to make you feel more stressed. In a similar fashion, running on more and more caffeine may provide a temporary high, but it can set the stage for a nasty crash. It’s much wiser to offer your body moderate amounts of caffeine, plenty of water, and a regular menu of healthy, nutritious foods like proteins, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Talk with a Trusted Friend
Social connections offer support and help reduce stress. Just hearing a familiar voice can help. Even if you don’t find solutions, taking a moment to chat with a friend about what’s bothering you can provide an outlet and help you feel understood. What if your friend is busy at the moment? It may feel silly, but talking to yourself in an imaginary conversation with your friend can have a similar impact.
Listen to Music
Listening to music can lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the bloodstream. Some people prefer something soft and sweet. Others find that cranking the volume up and singing along is more cathartic.
Laugh
It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine, and there might be something to that. Laughing is a momentary escape that boosts oxygen levels and circulation, reduces muscle tension, and lowers stress hormones in the bloodstream. If tension is troubling you, grab a joke book, find a sitcom, or tune into a standup special, and let the punchlines drive down your stress level.
Do Something Fun
Doing something fun can help you escape the pressure of stressful events. Take some time to connect with friends or engage in a favorite hobby. Is there something that you’ve always wanted to try? This might be the perfect time for a new experience.
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Everyone feels stressed. That’s why tips for dealing with stress are so popular. However, if you’re ever feeling totally overwhelmed or the feeling persists for longer than you think it should, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to a medical professional or counselor as soon as possible for assistance.
At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today.
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