Stress is a part of life. However, there are scientifically proven ways to manage stress so it does not have to overwhelm us and negatively effect our mental health and physical health.
Reducing stress has been linked to several health benefits, including lower heart rate, better sleep, decreased anxiety and overall improvements in mental and physical health.
Interested in learning a few easy ways to decrease stress? Try these!
1.) Go for a Walk
Going for a short walk, even for 10 minutes, can have positive effects on our mood and overall mental health. Walking boosts endorphins and rediuces stress hormones. Walk outside and the benefits are greater! Vitamin D, which occurs naturally from the sun, has been found to reduce depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
2.) Breathe Deeply
Breathing deeply boosts levels of oxygen, and stimulates the parasympathetic system of the body. This helps us to calm, reduce stress, and control our emotions better.
3.) Visualize
Take a break in your mind. The National Institute of Health recognizes guided imagery as a powerful tool to elicit relaxation
4.) Progressive Muscle Relaxation Start with your toes and work your way up: tighten your foot muscles as much as you can, then relax them. Make your way up, tightening and relaxing each muscle until you’ve finished with your face. It may seem silly, but this practice can help reduce anxiety and stress and is often recommended to patients who suffer from depression and anxiety disorders.
5.) Limit Screen Time Uninterrupted computer use has been associated with stress, lost sleep and depression in women, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. In the same study, late night computer use was also associated with stress — in both men and women.
Make sure to take frequent breaks during your day of computer use — and try to shut of social media, cell phones, and video games at least an hour before bedtime.
6.) Learn to Knit or Crochet
Repetitive motions — like the fine motor skills used to knit, make jewelry or cross-stitch — can soothe anxiety, according to pediatrician, Perri Klass, M.D. Mindfulness expert Dr. Herbert Benson agrees: Knitting fulfills the two criteria of mindfulness practice, “the repetition of a sound, word, phrase prayer, or movement, and the passive setting aside of intruding thoughts and returning to the repetition.
