3 Solid Ways to Reduce Stress Every Day
By Genevieve Cunningham
You woke up late and got stuck in traffic for 30 minutes longer than normal. Stress. Once you got to work, your computer wouldn’t work and you couldn’t complete that project for the meeting later. Stress. After work, you picked up kids from various locations, rushed home to throw something frozen in the oven, and then listened to children bicker about the television. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, this situation or something like it is all too common in our world today. And as a result, we’re all a little too stressed. But excessive stress is harmful to the body, and over time, it can weaken overall health. If you’re interested in keeping your stress under control, take a look at these three ways to reduce stress and feel more calm every day.
Go for a Walk or Run
Physical activity is a great way to lower stress. Since the body can only handle one kind of stress at a time, getting moving forces the brain to switch off and handle the physical demands of your exercise instead. So why walk or run? These are two exercises that are easy to complete on a daily basis. Just grab some shoes, put in your headphones, and make a lap around the block.
Get Engaged in a Hobby
When you’re feeling stressed, try switching gears. Instead of thinking about the worries of the day, engage your mind in something personal and challenging. Piano player? Have a seat on the bench. Love making model cars or airplanes? Get out the latest model and have a go. Feel creative? Break out the easel and paints. Do something that completely engages the mind, and the stresses of the day will fall away slowly and effectively.
Go Outside
There’s nothing like a little fresh air to wash away the stress. When you get home from work, change clothes, get comfy, grab a drink, and go outside and just be. Breathe in the air, take in the sun, and enjoy the calm and serene surroundings. This one act may be enough to reduce stress levels to something more tolerable, meaning you can go back inside to finish your evening in a much more relaxed state of mind.
Stress can really do a number on your health. It causes damage to both the body and the mind if left unchecked over a long period of time. In order to protect your health and to feel better, use these tips regularly. They’re easy and effective and may leave you feeling like your best self at the end of every day.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Castle Rock, Colo.