Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it be related to a high-pressure job, health issues or family tensions-no one can control the stressors of life. However, we can control how we choose to manage our stress. Below are several habits that will help you alleviate these tensions and live a healthier life:
1. Take Care of Yourself
An important part of managing stress is to prioritize your health and wellness. This means making time to eat well, drink water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
2. Prioritize your Tasks and Intentions
Both at work and in your home life, prioritize your tasks, to-dos and intentions. At work, space out your big projects with easier ones in-between to avoid burnout. At home, ensure you prioritize chores and errands that are fulfilling and contribute to your overall happiness. Ensure that these tasks and activities you do are aligned with your overall intentions and are contributing to your happiness and wellbeing.
3. Don’t Procrastinate
Relatedly, do not procrastinate when it comes to doing what you need to do. Procrastination can cause stress, and if you are already stressed to begin with, will impact your mood and overall well being.
3. Express your Feelings
It is also important to be in touch with your feelings and not keep them bottled up. Find trusted people in your life to talk to about your emotions, whether it be friends, family or a health professional. If you find it difficult to express your feelings to others, writing and journaling are great options as well. Dedicating time to reflect on your emotions will help you manage tension and negativity.
4. Think Positively
When people are stressed, they usually think more negatively. When you start to feel this way, it is important to confront these negative thoughts and spin them in a more positive light. Rather than spending time dwelling on negative situations or potential bad outcomes, try focusing on things that are going well and that you are grateful for.
5. Meditate
Meditation is an important and effective way to reduce stress. Meditation helps you focus on the present and eliminate the tension associated with the past or future. A simple meditation technique is this: find a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Do this for 5–20 minutes daily.