Self-Care strategies to reduce stress

31

We can’t always control the obstacles that life throws our way, but we can control how well you take care of ourselves.

There are a lot of reasons for getting stressed! You may feeling stressed because your boss moved up your deadlines a little bit, or you may be experiencing some issues within your relationship with your partner, or it could be your kid’s illness and fever, or you may need to sleep well, or it may be your diet!  Being stressed may cause you frustration, fear and hopelessness.

Taking care of ourselves makes us feel good, gives us a break from daily life’s pressures, or replenishes what our jobs take away from us. Looking after ourselves is important when we are about to burn out. When we start to feel tired and overwhelmed, the best thing to do is take care of our needs to restore balance and calm to our life.

Ways to fight stress:

  • Sleep well

Lack of sleep can negatively influence your ability to manage stress. It also affects your ability of productivity and functionality. If you sleep less than eight hours a night, you are probably at greater risk of developing anxiety and depression. There are many things you can do to have better sleep, from strategies to manage your time effectively, to relaxation techniques that help you fall asleep and get quality sleep at night.

  • Stick to a healthy diet

A poor diet can make anyone more vulnerable to stress. Stress can make it more difficult for you to maintain a healthy diet, which leads to more stress. Hectic schedules can make it harder to get proper nutrition, which causes extra stress. Being too busy can also causes stress, and feeling stressed can make you desire unhealthy foods as well, rotating in a vicious cycle. Try to maintain a healthy diet when stressed. You may be surprised by how much stress you can handle when you are on a healthy diet.

  • Exercise releases stress

Exercise is great for physicality and mentality. It releases stress and keeps your body healthy. It also helps your body produce endorphins, which increase your feelings of being well. Exercise classes provide social support and group motivation. Cheap and convenient home workouts provides many health benefits before you start your day.  Exercising regularly can be a long-term solution for resisting stress.

  • Expand your social circle

Friends can pick you up from your sadness, provide you with insights when you’re confused, and help you have fun when you need to. Expand your social circle to have someone to lean on when you are stressed. Don’t forget to listen to your friends, when they feel stressed, too! Develop your effective listening skills to be a better support to your friends and loved ones.

  • Have some “Down Time”

Hobbies distract you from stress and help you stay ‘in the moment,’ which is a great way to relieve tension. It has been found that artistic expression is a great stress reliever, even for those who don’t see themselves as creative. Drawing, gardening, and stitching are great stress relievers. There are many stress relievers that provide some fun and distract you from stress.

  • Have a Spa treatment

Taking care of your body can work wonders for releasing your stress. Don’t underestimate the importance of pampering yourself regularly. This can be a body massage, a movie night, or a simple cup of coffee, depending on what is more relaxing for you. It can help you feel great about yourself and free you from your stress.