9 Ways To Destress Your Lifestyle
Life can be hectic, complex, and often overwhelming at times when least expected.
Each day we add more tasks to our to-do list, yet feel anxious and frustration set in when we can’t complete each task in a timely manner. And, if we are unable to check-off every task by the end of the day, then we have probably let someone down or feel like we have failed ourselves.
You’re not alone in this battle.
In fact, 75% of adults say they are stressed daily, especially around the holiday season. And, stress is the number one cause of illness leading to bigger health issues over the years to come.
So, how do you destress this time of year and set yourself free from worry?
Here Are 9 Effective Ways To Minimize Stress In Your Lifestyle:
1.Say “NO”
If your plate is fuller then you can manage right now, then you may be a people pleaser. Adding more tasks or events to an already existing full plate can lead to additional stress. Sometimes the best way to destress is to simplify your lifestyle and say “NO” to what isn’t fulfilling or supporting your goals.
Before saying “YES” to every work project, family gathering, friendship dinner, ask yourself “Do I have the time?” If you don’t, then simply say “Thank you for the invite. I’d love to make it, however, I’m swamped right now. Definitely keep me in mind for the next one.” This validates you value the relationship with them, but you need some time to yourself and want to catch up at a later date.
Selectively choosing what you can and cannot fit into your schedule, allows you to have more clarity and certainty. And when you have more clarity, your mood shifts for the better lifting your spirits. Having personal boundaries for yourself is vital to your mental and physical health, as well as living a meaningful lifestyle full of positive intentions.
2.Go Exercise
Physical activity is one of the healthiest ways to reduce mental stress. Not only does it relieve your body from heightened stress hormones, like cortisol, but it also releases mood boosters like endorphins. An overall win-win for a steady flow.
And, if you’re not one for going to the gym, then find an activity that suits your personality. The simplest movement can have the biggest impact on de-stressing. You can try rock climbing, skiing, tennis, yoga, dancing, walking, swimming, or hiking. And if you need an accountability partner to keep you motivated, join a fitness/activity group to help support your goals. Only you can decide what type of exercise you will enjoy and reap the benefits.
3.Create To-Do Lists
Sometimes stress levels increase due to the act of overthinking. Your thoughts consume your mind which leads you to ruminate over and over about everything you need to do. When you get stuck in this auto-pilot pattern of thinking, it creates additional stress.
As simple as it sounds, writing it out on paper will give you peace of mind and release the stressful tension from are experiencing from your thoughts. This allows you to prioritize goals and conquer them one by one. It can also be beneficial to space out your tasks throughout the week versus trying to cram them all in one day. This keeps you from creating too many tasks in one day which defeats the purpose of what you want.
4.Laugh Your Heart Out
Stress isn’t always related to everyday life but from an illness or an event like a break-up. And, when your stress is related to a condition that is out of your control there is not much you can do but focus on your mindset. One way to ease the stress from your worries is to laugh your heart out.
Whether it’s hanging with friends, heading to a comedy show, or pulling an all-nighter on comedy central, laughing is sure to lift your spirits. It has been proven to help lighten the burden of pain and suffering, knowing better days are ahead.
5.Spend Time With Positive Influences
Relationships are the core fundamental to bringing meaning and purpose to your life. Spending time with family and friends who are positive influences can help you reduce stress and put your mind at ease.
When you engage with those who have a positive impact on your life, studies show it releases oxytocin, which is known as the “connector.” This hormone helps give you the feeling of belonging which is shown to help reduce stress and feel like the weight of the world is no longer on your shoulders – you have a support system.
6.Avoid Procrastination
When you’re feeling stressed, the easiest way to avoid it is to run from it like the plague. While at the moment it may relieve you from the stress you, in the long run, it will only exacerbate the stressor. Not only does the stressor not disappear, but it has also only become more challenging to face due to the multi-facet layers that get added onto it.
It’s best to face your stressors head-on to actually alleviate the stress. The more you prioritize resolving the stressor, the more you will feel at ease with one thing less on your plate.