Long hours of work, responsibilities of your family and suffering sleep patterns can all lead to increased stress. Though it is an inescapable part of our daily lives, there are always some things that we can do to counter it. The most basic thing to do is to learn how to relieve stress from our lives. Here are a few ways to relieve stress that can also be followed to get your mental tranquility back.
Snack
For many people, eating seems to be a stress-buster at times when nothing else works. It has been scientifically proven that certain foods actually help reduce stress. Beginning with broccoli that has folic acid for stress reduction to endorphin-producing dark chocolate; from nuts that keep the cortisol levels low to salmon rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that help the brain cells function more collaboratively, are all examples of foods that can help you relax when you feel stressed.
Deep Breathing
When you feel mentally fatigued and there are not many resources at hand, the most effective way to release stress is by using your body’s mechanism to fix itself. Deep breathing or taking long breaths works efficiently to give your mind the much-needed break. When you start breathing deeply, the body directly responds by lowering the blood pressure, releasing the muscle tension and lowering of metabolism, providing a calming effect to the whole body and mind.
Take a Walk
The fact that exercise is good for physical well-being has been long established, but it is also interesting to note that a small amount of exercise can do wonders for your mental health too. In situations where you feel yourself being strained by a certain issue, the best thing to do is to take a walk. According to research, taking regular walks can help to modify your nervous system and control anger and mood swings.
Turn off Your Phone
Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives and help us navigate our daily life better. All these positives don’t take away from the fact that they have also increased the anxiety levels in people. By simply switching off your phone, you can get instant relaxation by escaping the urge to constantly check your phone for work emails or social media updates. Even a few minutes away from the screen can be a great de-stresser.
Take a Nap
The hectic everyday schedules of today’s life seldom leave time for a full night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation can have a major effect on your mental well-being and shoot up stress levels. Although, drastically altering the lifestyle might not be an option, taking a nap definitely is. Research shows that even a half hour nap can reverse the effects of sleep deprivation and help improve productivity and performance.