How to Reset Your Stress Gauge and Relax
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us have little internal gauges that tell us how the day is going. When we get up late and struggle to get everybody out the door, our stress gauges soar. If we could reset those stress gauges whenever we wanted, life might feel a lot better.
Recently Business Insider took a look at the issue, citing psychologists' findings that at least 25 percent of happiness depends on our ability to manage stress. When we drop the ball, headaches, sleeplessness, irritability and bad food habits can flare up. Finding ways to reset our stress gauges could make the difference. Here are some tips.
Talk It Through
Reach out to a friend or family member to talk about your frustrations. Research says people who confide in someone are able to let go of the stress and react less the next time. Often those around you have had similar experiences and may have good suggestions.
Head for the Trees
Nature has its own special brand of stress relief that works quickly and consistently to help the mind and body relax. Get outside as often as possible with early morning runs, short walks at lunch and evening walks with your family. Think about creating an indoor/outdoor retreat at home. A patio, balcony or small garden spot can become a quiet place to let go of stress. Add a bench or pillows and plants, and your choice of shells, rocks and glass. Use your retreat whenever you need it to sit quietly and let the stress go.
Walk It Off
Psychologists tell us physical activity is really a top choice for beating stress. Princeton researchers say physical activity actually resets the brain to reduce the response to stress. Keep moving wherever you are. You may not have time for a full workout at the gym, but a couple walks during the day can provide relief from the day's demands and help to lower blood pressure.
Remember How to Laugh
We are all born with this stress releaser. It starts as a giggle and then breaks into a hearty laugh that completely relaxes the mind and the body. Surround yourself with funny stuff. Amusing jokes from friends, funny old movies and clever authors can be great humor escapes whenever we need them.
Pick Deliciously Healthy Treats
Dark chocolate, turkey, avocados and blueberries are all mood boosters that improve our immunity and ability to counter stress, according to nutritionists. Berries help fight stress-related free radicals to strengthen the body's response to stress.
Have a Plan
As your stress level levels off with walking, outside time, and healthy foods, the next step is creating a plan. Look back at the things that triggered your stress, and look forward to ways to eliminate them. You may want to delegate some tasks, restructure your day, or open up some weekends for free play. Outline a plan that makes all of the stress-relievers a priority and see what happens. It could be a whole lot less stressful.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pearland, Tex.