Stress is something that
the majority of us experience at some point or other. With our demanding
lifestyles and busy schedules it can often be hard to find ways to relax. Common
symptoms of stress include mood swings, insomnia and overeating which can all
contribute to the problem and make it worse. Here are some simple ways to reduce
the effects of stress and help you to live a more relaxed and stress-free life.
Diet and Exercise
Regular exercise and healthy
eating are proven methods for boosting your mood. Even small changes such as
taking a short walk, eating fruit and vegetables and drinking more water will
make a noticeable improvement. Try getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a
day, snack on fruit and add vegetables to each meal. Cut down on caffeine and
fizzy drinks and aim to drink two litres of water or herbal tea each day.
Sleep
Stress often makes it
hard to sleep and causes tiredness and low energy levels. Having a hot bath
with aromatherapy oils followed by a gentle stretching routine before bed can
encourage relaxation and aid sleep. Cut down on caffeinated drinks and replace them
with warm milk and chamomile tea which are renowned for their sleep-inducing
abilities. Be sure to avoid eating three hours before bed to allow your
digestive system to settle and prevent it from disrupting your sleep.
Socialise
Bottling up emotions can
often seem like the easiest option, however doing this leaves issues unresolved
and causes stress levels to increase. Phone a friend for a chat or arrange to
meet up for a coffee where you can vent and share advice. If you would rather
speak to someone professional find a councillor or support group in your area,
or see if the issue is something your doctor can help with. Simply talking to someone
can make you feel happier, even if a solution is not achieved straight away
Focus on the positives
Trying to remain
positive and push the negative thoughts aside can seem impossible when you’re
stressed. However focusing on a future event, such as a holiday, or something that makes you happy
can lift your mood and help you to combat your troubles. Plan a treat for yourself
at the weekend, such as going for a nice walk, buying something new or taking
time out to read a book with a cup of tea. Arrange to see friends or family who
make you happy and try to do something little that makes you smile every day.
Meditate
Meditation techniques
such as deep breathing, rhythmic exercise and yoga have been proven to activate
the body’s natural relaxation response and boost both your energy and mood. Try
a calming yoga sequence from one of the many videos available online, or look
for class in your area. Simply spending 15 minutes each day being alone, still and
focusing on your breathing will re-charge your batteries and lift your mood,
leaving you feeling calm, composed and stress-free.
Holly xx
Images sourced from Vogue, Tumblr, Sweat the Style and Net-A-Porter.
