Stress occurs when you perceive commands such as at workplace, school or from relationships and are over your ability to cope. Stress at some level can be beneficial at times, may be to boost the energy that help people to get through situations like exams or work deadlines. Whereas, an extreme amount of stress can have health consequences, affecting one’s immune, cardiovascular and neuro-endocrine and central nervous systems, and take a severe emotional toll. For that matter, it is required to know the ways to manage your stress.
Every individual is different, and so are their ways to manage their stress. Some people prefer pursuing hobbies such as gardening, playing music and creating art, while others find relief in more solitary activities: meditation, yoga and walking.
Here are five healthy ways to manage your stress in the short- and long-term.
- Take a break from the stress-or
It may seem difficult to get away from a big responsibility at workplace, a crying baby or a growing credit card bill. But when you give yourself permission to step away from it, you let yourself have time to do something else, which can help you have a new perspective or practice techniques to feel less overwhelmed.
- Exercise
The research keeps growing — exercise benefits your mind just as well as your body and is useful for how to manage stress level. Even a 30-minute walk, run, or dance session during a stressful time can give an immediate effect that can last for several hours.
- Smile and laugh
Our brains are interconnected with our emotions and facial expressions. When people are stressed, they hold some stress in their face as well. So, everyone need to manage stress for a happier life and laughs or smiles can help relieve some of that tension.
- Get social support
Sharing your concerns or feelings with a close friend or relative is another best technique to manage stress. But it’s important that the person whom you talk should be trustworthy.
- Meditate
Meditation is a good exercise for how to manage your own stress. A mindful prayer can help the mind and body to relax and focus. Mindfulness can help people see new perspectives, develop self-compassion and forgiveness. When you practice a form of mindfulness, people often release emotions that may have been causing emotional stress.