Stress is a natural part of life. It triggers our fight or flight response, making sure we get ourselves out of sticky situations. If we never had this response, it’s likely humans would have died out many years ago. But, what if stress becomes an everyday occurrence and starts to harm your health? This is when stress becomes unhealthy and action needs to be taken.
If you’re feeling like stress is taking over your life, stress management and prevention is essential. There are many ways to manage and reduce stress, which will help you feel a whole lot better. Remember, the goal is not to completely eliminate all stress, but to learn ways of coping with unavoidable stress and reduce unnecessary stress.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Stress?
Stress affects different people in different ways. It can show itself physically, mentally and in how you behave. Some main symptoms of stress include;
Tense or painful muscles
Stomach problems like a knotted feeling
Dizziness or headaches
A racing heart beat or pain in the chest
Sexual problems
Worry and forgetfulness
Feeling overwhelmed
Drinking, smoking or eating too much
Being irritable or snappy
How to Reduce and Manage Stress in Your Daily Life
Fight off Stress with the Right Diet
A healthy, natural diet not only makes you look good, but it makes you feel good. Fill your plate with vitamins and superfoods which help keep your gut happy and in turn stabilises your moods. Stress relieving foods include; wholegrains, avocado, fish, nuts, citrus fruits, probiotics, herbal teas and warm milk.
Take a Stress Reducing Supplement
When your stress levels are super high, so are your cortisol levels. This leads to reduced immunity, an increase in inflammation and the possibility of high blood pressure. Some health supplements have been shown to reduce anxiety, ease depression and instill a feeling of calm. Supplements that may help include; ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnesium, melatonin and rhodiola.
Release Endorphins with Physical Activity
If you’ve had a super stressful day, sometimes the last thing you want to do is exercise. But getting active is good for your physical and mental health, relieving stress and releasing endorphins which make you feel good. The best activities to relieve stress include; yoga, meditation, walking, weight lifting and swimming.
Know Your Limits and Be Firm with Them
If you’re juggling work, kids, social activities and trying to find time for yourself, it can become overwhelming. When you get invited to another social event, don’t be afraid to say no. If you’re feeling stressed, you don’t need another busy social gathering. Be firm, say no and take some ‘you’ time.
Talk to Others Who’ve Faced Similar Situations
A problem shared is a problem halved. When you’re feeling stressed, you may think it’s only you that feels like that. When in reality, many others are facing similar struggles. Open up about how you’re feeling to a friend, a partner or in a support group.