It can be tough to stay in a peaceful state when you're constantly on the go. Juggling work, family, and social obligations can take its toll if you aren't intentional with your time. Stress is a natural reaction to events that make us feel overwhelmed or threatened. However, it is when chronic stress enters our body that it can have harmful effects on our physical and mental health. In this blog post, we will discuss 9 ways to reduce stress when you're busy!
Make time for yourself each day
This may seem like an impossible task when you are already juggling a lot, but it is crucial for your well-being. During this time, you can do something that relaxes you and allows you to rejuvenate. Some people find solace in yoga or meditation, while others enjoy reading or taking walks outdoors. The important thing is that you make the time for yourself and stick to it. The only way you will find time for yourself is if you prioritize it. Are you busy from 6am - 10pm every day? Then get up at 530 and use that time for yourself. There is always enough time. You just need to make it a priority.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels. When we are stressed, our cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for stress) increase. Exercise helps to lower cortisol levels and thus reduces the amount of stress we feel. In addition, exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and can help to improve our overall mood. So, if you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, make time for a workout! You will feel better both physically and mentally.
Eat healthy foods
Eating healthy foods helps to reduce stress levels because it allows our bodies to function at its best. Eating healthy allows us to have more energy and clarity, both of which are crucial when trying to manage stress. In addition, unhealthy foods can often cause us to feel sluggish or bloated, which only exacerbates feelings of stress. By eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods, we allow our bodies to handle Stress in a more positive way.
Get enough sleep
There are a couple of different ways that sleep can help to reduce stress. Firstly, during sleep our bodies release growth hormones, which help to repair and rejuvenate the body. This is crucial when we are constantly under stress as it allows our body to restore and rebuild itself. Secondly, sleep helps to improve our mood. When we are tired, we tend to be more irritable and moody, which only adds to the stress we are feeling. By getting adequate sleep, we allow ourselves to be in a better mood, which in turn reduces Stress levels. Getting enough sleep allows our bodies to rest and rejuvenate, which helps us handle stress in a more positive way. So make sure you are getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night! One additional pro tip for your best sleep is to try a Deep Sleep Pillow Spray.
Take breaks throughout the day
When we are constantly working, we do not give ourselves time to relax and recharge. This can lead to us feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. In addition, taking breaks allows us to refocus and reenergize, which is crucial when trying to manage Stress. One strategy that is very popular and quite effective is the Pomodoro technique. This is a time management strategy that can help you to focus and get more done in a healthy way. It involves breaking down your work into 25 minute intervals, separated by 5 minute breaks. During the break you can rest your mind, take a quick nap, or just relax for a few minutes. This technique has been shown to be very effective in helping people to focus and get more done. Always make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to keep your stress levels low.
Avoid overscheduling yourself
When we are constantly busy and overscheduled, it can be difficult to find time for what is most important. Overscheduling ourselves often means that we are not able to fully commit to the tasks that we have scheduled. This can result in us feeling rushed and stressed, which only amplifies the stress we are already feeling. By avoiding overscheduling ourselves, we allow ourselves more time to recharge which is crucial when trying to manage stress. The best way to avoid overscheduling yourself is simply by saying no. Would you rather give a smaller amount of people 100% of you, or give a large amount of people 30% of you? Choose quality, not quantity. Try not to overload yourself with too many commitments. Just because you can physically get it all done, it doesn't mean that you should.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
When we are constantly stressed, our minds never stop racing. This can lead to us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. In addition, our thoughts tend to be negative and counterproductive. Practicing mindfulness and meditation helps to calm the mind and allows us to focus on the present moment. This is crucial when trying to manage Stress as it allows us to take a step back and breathe. When we are able to focus on the present moment, we are less likely to dwell on the past or worry about the future. Both mindfulness and meditation have been shown to be effective in reducing Stress levels. Never meditated before? No problem. I recommend starting with 1 minute per day. Search on YouTube or Spotify for 1 minute guided meditations. There are plenty of great ones out there.
Connect with nature
When we are feeling stressed, it can be helpful to get outside and connect with nature. Being around plants and trees has been shown to have calming effects on the mind and body. In addition, spending time in nature allows us to connect with our surroundings, which can be therapeutic when we are feeling overwhelmed. If possible, try taking a walk outdoors or spending time in a park or garden. Another scientifically proven method to lowering cortisol levels is grounding.
Grounding, or earthing is a practice that involves connecting with the earth. This can be done by walking barefoot outside, sitting or lying on the ground. When we are grounded, we are able to absorb the negative ions from the earth which helps to reduce stress and inflammation. In addition, grounding has been shown to improve sleep quality, increase energy levels, and reduce pain. If you are looking for an easy way to get grounded, try going for a walk outside barefoot! Nature is your friend when trying to reduce stress levels.
Practice self-compassion
Self-compassion means being kind and understanding towards ourselves during difficult times. When we are stressed out, it is easy to be hard on ourselves and criticize ourselves for not being able to handle everything that is going on. However, this often only makes things worse. By practicing self-compassion we allow ourselves to be gentle and understanding towards ourselves, no matter what is going on in our lives. This can help us feel more supported and relaxed during stressful times. If you find it difficult to be kind and understanding towards yourself, try writing down five things that you like about yourself or forgiving yourself for something that you have done wrong . Self-compassion is key when trying to manage stress!
Don't let the stress win
Stress can have a major impact on our mental and physical health if it is not managed properly. By taking some of the steps mentioned in this article, such as learning to no, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and spending time in nature, we can greatly reduce our stress levels. Stress can be very detrimental to our health if left unchecked, so it is important to make a conscious effort to manage our stress levels on a daily and even hourly basis.Â