Stress Relief: Simple Life Hacks + Checklist
It seems like stress is a natural part of our daily life these days. In fact, the level of stress we experience daily increases consistently without fail. But what we can do about it? Is there any simple way to cope with stress? Since it appears to be unavoidable, it’s imperative we learn how to deal with it effectively, or it can easily overwhelm even the toughest of us.
Fortunately, there are some relatively simple techniques you can use to combat anxiety before it becomes chronic and simply stop worrying about life in general. The effectiveness of these elementary methods is confirmed by a neuroscience research.
Here are easy life hacks and ideas that I suggest you to try:
1. Breathe deeply
This advice is simple, but really effective. Taking deep breaths in and out is a quick way to reduce stress. According to studies by Relaxation Techniques for Health, Proper breathing normalizes blood pressure and relaxes the whole body. It is important to think positive and enjoy the moment.
2. Laugh more
Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones - cortisol and adrenaline. However, scientists were able to prove that there was already one premonition of fun gives a similar effect. In other words, to relax and feel happy, it is enough to find out the release of a new season of your favorite comedy show, and watching it will fix the result.
3. Make a to-do list and cross out all that is unnecessary.
A clear action plan will allow you to rank tasks for urgent and not. Having a list of things to do makes it easier to focus, examine how long it takes to complete them, and relax.
In this case, set aside for tomorrow what is possible, but not necessary to do today. Overstatement of yourself is one of the most common causes of stress. Therefore, forget about perfectionism, allow yourself to be imperfect, but happier.
4. Do a workout.
It’s not necessary to prepare for a marathon. To combat stress, any pleasant physical activity is suitable, including regular walks in the fresh air, is suitable. Activity stimulates the production of the happiness hormone - endorphin, so the hardships of life are more easily tolerated.
5. Eat chocolate.
Scientists conducted an experiment, in which medical students ate 40 grams of dark or milk chocolate daily. The control group dispensed with this sweetness. After 14 days, there was a reduction in stress levels among students who ate chocolate.
6. Control a family budget.
According to the American Psychological Association, financial issues are fatal: money stress affects the anxiety level of residents of the United States. Obviously, not only Americans get stressed out of money.
To get less nervous, keep and control a family budget, considering and planning expenses. In this case, you don’t have to fear that finances have already tightened the romances, and the salary is not coming soon.
7. Read books.
Researchers at Sussex University have proven that even six minutes of reading is enough to reduce stress by 68%. According to scientists, the human mind focuses on the ups and downs of the literary world, while reducing tension in the muscles, including in the heart. To achieve maximum effect, you should read good books, not chat rooms on the Internet.
8. Get enough sleep.
A full sleep is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress. According to research, the level of anxiety is much lower in people who sleep on average more than 8 hours a day. Those who do not reach the norm at 7 o'clock night sleep complain of poor health, lethargy and inability to concentrate.
Daytime sleep at full night, in turn, reduces cortisol levels.
Download a printable checklist with some ideas of how to cope with stress fast.
How do you deal with stress?
