Subscribe17 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress
Recent research has shown that a high stress lifestyle, combined with a junk food diet results in weight gain (particularly abdominal fat). We can avoid junk food, but avoiding stress can be a lot more challenging.
Here are some strategies for dealing with stress.
- Use deep breathing - breathe in through your nose down to your stomach, hold your breath, and breathe out through your mouth.
- Get aerobic exercise daily.
- Take a walk, even a very short one when you're upset.
- Practice yoga or tai chi or progressive relaxation.
- Enjoy the soothing aspects of water - swim or take a bath or a shower.
- Make time to talk to friends and family members.
- Pet and play with an animal.
- Listen to or play uplifting music.
- Read an inspiring book, sing a song, recite a poem.
- Spend time in nature.
- Avoid black and white thinking - few things in life are hopeless.
- Choose positive thoughts - paste them on your mirror.
- Restrict your viewing of upsetting media.
- Pick your battles - you can't solve every problem.
- Write down your goals and strategies for reaching them.
- Take vacations from your normal routines.
- Spend quiet time to get back in touch with yourself.
Also, never underestimate the power of exercise in reducing stress and alleviating depression.
Many thanks to Haven Logan, who outlines these points in her short PDF Living a Healthy Life. Used with permission.
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You forgot my favorite ... shopping!
ReplyI usually work out to deal with stress. I think about what I have to get done during the day and I kind of make a "to do" list while I'm running. I just feel more organized all day when I do that. I also love to go to the library and just chill out and read books to de-stress.
My dog is also a great stress reliever. When I'm frustrated, sometimes it's kind of fun to take her out and play a good game of fetch or watch her do some tricks.
Great list...I'll have to try some of those other tips too. I like the "avoiding black and white thinking" rule. I tend to do that a lot and I do need to stop doing that.
ReplyI always laugh at these 'destressing' lists because when you are actually knee deep in a stressful situation...I can assure you this is the last thing that comes to my mind! I would love to be able to remember these things in the 'heat of a stressful moment'
ReplyNothing beats a good primal scream.
A few rounds of kickboxing also helps a lot.
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