With the constant evolution of our society, we are under more and more
pressure to do more in less time with less resources. More and more
people are feeling a loss of control over their lives and are becoming
more and more stressed by this.
Stress has become something that too many people have become accustomed
to living with every day. Once stress was a rare occurrence, but with
modern pressures, it is increasingly becoming a daily concern.
As stress is often caused by the environment around you, there are
things you can do to reduce you stress levels. You may not be able to
control your external environment, but you can certainly control your
reaction to it. This will allow you to control the degree to which
stress affects you.
I'd like to give you 5 simple, but practical tips to help you reduce your stress today.
Tip 1 - Exercise Every Day
When you get stressed it releases Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)
into your bloodstream to give you a boost to engage the fight or flight
reaction. As many of us live a sedentary lifestyle these days, the ACTH
is never worked out of your system and remains there. This will cause
physical problems with long term exposure. Exercise will help you to
work the ACTH out of your system and avoid the long term effects of it
remaining in your system.
Tip 2 - Drink Water
Your body is 80-90% water, and drinking lots of water will help keep
you in good health. It will help to keep your immune system healthy and
to reduce your stress. Avoid coffee and alcohol during the day as these
will actually increase your stress levels by activating the fight or
flight mechanism and releasing ACTH into your system.
Tip 3 - Listen To Music
Music has a very relaxing effect on your body. If you listen to music
you consider relaxing it will help to reduce your stress. New age,
classical, and nature sounds are common types of music used for
relaxation. Some people even prefer louder and more active music to
relax to. It's whatever works for you. If it is possible, listen to
music whilst you work or go about your day as that will help you relax
more too.
Tip 4 - Take Naps
Taking some regular naps can really help you feel better and reduce
your stress. Often when you are stressed you get tired in the afternoon
and do not sleep well at night. People such as Leonardo Da Vinci used
to take regular 20 minute naps to recharge themselves. If you are
unable to take a nap due to work, then a brisk walk at lunch will help
to reduce your stress.
Tip 5 - How Urgent Is It Really?
Everything may feel urgent, or everything may be presented to you as
urgent, but how much of it is really urgent? Make sure you prioritize
your actions and focus on what you are doing. Don't allow yourself to
be continually distracted from what you are working on by the phone or
emails or so on. Generally people will be understanding when you
prioritize your life and will respect you more for it.
These are five very simple tips you can use on a daily basis to reduce
your stress. Start using these now and notice how much more relaxed you
are.
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