7 Ways to Reduce Stress
It would seem that stress is the norm nowadays and not the exception. That being said, an excess of stress is bad for our health. In this article, we will give you some advice and suggest ways to reduce stress.
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The best ways to reduce stress
Stress is present in our lives and, although a little stress can actually be good for our health, in excess it can become a problem. Financial problems, work obligations, too many activities…all of these things have repercussions on our physical and mental health. Pay attention to the following advice on ways to reduce stress and put it into practice as soon as possible:
1. Sleep more.
One of the consequences of stress is insomnia or problems falling asleep. Ideally, you should be getting between seven and eight hours of sleep every night, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day and you should avoid “catching up on sleep” at the weekend. Obviously, because sleeping until noon on Saturday to make up for lost sleep during the week is counterproductive.
If it’s really difficult for you to get to sleep, first try going to bed earlier. Follow this schedule every day, and always get up at the same time. If you want to take a nap, be sure not to sleep for more than an hour and that you don’t sleep past 4 pm.
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2. Get some exercise
Among all the ways to reduce stress, this is one of the most effective. It’s true that when we feel really burnt out we don’t feel like working out, however, exercise is a good way to relieve tension and improve your mood.
Additionally, exercise helps you disconnect from reality (at least during your workouts), produce more endorphins and it helps make you tired enough to sleep well all night long. Start by simply taking a walk or bike ride and you’ll see the results soon enough.
3. Have more contact with nature
If there is a park near your house, visit it several times a week. Breathing clean air can help reduce stress. The same goes if you live near the beach, a river, or the mountains. You don’t have to go all the way to the middle of the country to feel better.
You can even plan one-night “escapes” at the weekends and take advantage of the chance to spend more time in contact with nature. If that’s not possible, at least put a few plants and flowers on your patio or balcony, lie back in the shade and read or take a nap.
4. Be more organized
One of the best ways to reduce stress is one that may be a little harder to put into practice. Do what you can to carry a planner with you to reduce the stress that comes with having so many obligations. Don’t expect or feel pressured to complete every task or have everything under control. Use the planner as a guide, so you don’t become more anxious.
5. Spend time with your loved ones
Daily obligations often prevent us from enjoying the company of other people and the ones we love and who make us happy. Set aside time every day or once a week to visit friends, have lunch with your family, have dinner with your partner or spouse, take a walk with your kids, etc. Having contact with the people who are closest to you works wonders for your emotions and is a comfort to your soul.
6. Meditate
You don’t have to become a Buddhist monk to enjoy your “zen” and confront stress. Relaxation can be as simple as laying down on the sofa with your eyes closed and concentrating on your breathing. You could even try an immersion bath with calming music and candles. The goal is to reduce anxiety and nervousness.
7. Concentrate on yourself
How long has it been since you’ve taken a walk, enjoyed a massage or gone to a café to have a cup of coffee and read? Maybe, too long ago to remember! Even if it’s just half an hour a day, take the time to do something you enjoy, whatever it is that helps you connect with yourself.
These ways to reduce stress should be accompanied by a change in perspective on certain things. If you’ve committed yourself to change your habits, you will feel calmer and less stressed in less time.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Smith, C., Hancock, H., Blake-Mortimer, J., & Eckert, K. (2007). A randomised comparative trial of yoga and relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety. Complementary therapies in medicine, 15(2), 77-83.
- Lohr, V. I., Pearson-Mims, C. H., & Goodwin, G. K. (1996). Interior plants may improve worker productivity and reduce stress in a windowless environment. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 14(2), 97-100.