Daily Habits to Reduce Stress

By Donna Stark

Are you starting to feel stressed? Yeah, you're not alone. Stress is slowly sneaking up on a bunch of us, particularly at this time of year, when it really hits us and we think about how quickly the months are flying by. It's also the time of year when the stores we shop at can't decide which holiday to sell for, so they bring it all out in full display, reminding us daily about all the celebrations we have to prepare for. It's important to stay one step ahead of the stress that is knocking at your door; the best way to do that is to develop regular habits that keep you calm. Now, you may already have some really good habits that you follow every day, but it certainly won't hurt to check out a few more. Take a look at the following suggestions.

Daily Exercise

Exercise gets your blood flowing and releases endorphins which help to reduce stress and improve your mood instantly! So stay active, even if it's only for 30 minutes a day. And if you can't squeeze in an extra 30 minutes, keep moving regardless! A few minutes here and a few minutes there will add up throughout the day.

Relaxing With Loved Ones

Find some time during the day to relax with those you love, and this doesn't mean you need to plan special things to do. Whether it's a car ride with the music turned off, a walk home from school, or a storybook before bed, all that matters is that you are spending time together.

Bring Nature Indoors

Although you wouldn't necessarily need to replenish this every day, surrounding yourself with flowers and plants is another way to cut out some of the stress from your days. And it's also a great way to incorporate another stress-reducing activity into your life -- gardening!

Laugh

Laughter really is the best medicine. It helps to relax the body, relieve physical tension and stress, increase the release of endorphins, and decrease the body's stress hormones. So head on over to a comedy show, watch some giggling baby videos, or find something else that nurtures your sense of humor. It's important.

Stress-Free Days

Hopefully, the suggestions listed above will inspire you to incorporate them into your daily life or to come up with your very own activities. And if you do want to come up with your own, don't stress about choosing the right thing! There is no right or wrong way to bring calm into your life. You just need to find what works!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Temecula, Calif.