Feeling stressed? Regain some peace of mind with these simple tips.
Life is filled with various stressors. Women in particular often take on many responsibilities in their families, careers, and communities. These demands can lead to feeling stressed? Regain some peace of mind with these simple tips.
is filled with various stressors. Women in particular often take on many responsibilities in their families, careers, and communities. These demands can lead to elevated breathing and heart rate, chronic stress, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, harming our physical and emotional wellbeing in both the short and long term.
Addressing stress immediately is essential to stopping it. The sooner you identify the source, the easier it is to recover. A healthy mind is key to a healthy body. So take a breath, and consider implementing one of these tips into your weekly routine.
1. It’s okay to say “I’m not fine.”
Women tend to find emotional relief in sharing their feelings and experiences with others. Social support is essential to a woman’s sense of validation and peace. Next time a trusted friend or beloved family member asks how you’re doing, it’s okay to be honest. Whether you need advice, a good cry, or just an opportunity to talk it out, getting those negative feelings off of your chest can bring tremendous relief.
2. It’s okay to say, “no.”
It can be difficult to reject someone’s plea for help, especially when the request comes from a friend, family member, or coworker. But you can only stretch yourself so thin. Remember, it’s the quality of what you do that matters, not the quantity. Realistically evaluate your time constraints and pending tasks before accepting a new responsibility. It’s in everyone’s best interest, including your own, to only take on what you can handle.
3. It’s okay to take some time for yourself.
Everyone needs a break, whether it’s 20 minutes, a few hours, or a day off. If you’re strapped for time, consider taking a brisk walk, making sure you’re hydrated with a refreshing glass of water, or watching a funny video to relieve some frustration. If you have a bit more time available, take a warm bath with Epsom salts and relaxing music to rid yourself of tension. Escape with a massage or a movie. Whether you choose to exercise, journal, get a spa treatment, plan a night out, or enjoy a hobby – find what you enjoy and do it. Taking a break is a proven way to refresh your mind and body for increased productivity.
4. It’s okay to invest in rest.
Feeling groggy can really weigh you down during the most crucial and busiest times of your day. Take a 20-minute power nap for a quick pick-me-up. Or turn in early and start the next day sooner than normal. Your mind and body need sleep in order to be sharper, quicker, and more efficient. Scientifically speaking, your brain needs sleep to clear out toxins. So invest in your health and wellbeing by getting those 7-9 hours of sleep at night and taking a nap when you feel too sleepy to continue with your day.
5. It’s okay to take some time to plan ahead.
Prioritize and organize your life for a clearer mind and more productive day. The first way to implement this is by getting a daily planner. Write down all of your obligations ahead of time to better establish how much time you have and what more you can take on. Keep “to do” and grocery lists in your phone so you can quickly document ideas before you forget them. Other ways to improve your daily efficiency include choosing your clothes in the evening for the next day, prepping your meals for the week, and packing your bags and vehicle the night before work, meetings, classes, events, etc.
6. It’s okay to unplug.
Digital media is undeniably pervasive in all of our lives. There seems to be a screen everywhere we turn. Although they can be hard to avoid, consider personally unplugging for an hour or even a day. Turn off the news, take a social media sabbatical, or plug your phone in for a charge and walk away. Use this time to read a book, visit a friend, run an errand, or enjoy the fresh air outside and soak in some vitamin D. Your devices will be there when you return.
7. It’s okay to practice a bit of self-discipline.
When feeling pressured, it’s crucial to avoid unhealthy habits and coping mechanisms, especially when it comes to what you put in your body. Increasing your intake of water, fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can improve your energy levels and productivity. Take 30 minutes to exercise a few times a week and enjoy the rush of endorphins to power your next activity. When faced with that one task you’ve been dreading, tackle it head on and get it over with so you no longer have to worry about it. And even when it doesn’t come naturally, choose an attitude of gratitude. When you change your outlook with a few simple, positive thoughts, you’ll notice a remarkable change in your joy and motivation.
Although stress is a normal part of life, you don’t have to accept it. A positive state of mind can lead to a more productive, happy, and fulfilling life. With a few simple lifestyle choices and adjustments, you can considerably reduce the effects of stress in your life.
evated breathing and heart rate, chronic stress, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, harming our physical and emotional wellbeing in both the short and long term.