Everyone experiences stress in their life. Low to moderate stress is good for us; it helps us meet our daily challenges and motivates us to reach our goals. But chronic stress, which is constant and persists over an extended period, can affect both our physical and psychological well-being.
Stress management helps us break the hold stress has on our lives, so we can be happier and healthier. The goal to stress management is to lead a balanced life which is about planning and taking measures to cope effectively with daily pressure.
Here are some stress management suggestions:
Plan ahead
Planning helps you decide how best to use your resources to achieve maximum efficiency.
Better manage your time
Effective time management increases your focus and productivity and greatly reduces your stress. You can start by prioritizing your tasks, controlling procrastination, and managing your commitment.
Set realistic expectations
Setting self-expectations is beneficial to your life, but they must be realistic. When your expectations outpace reality, they can lead to disappointment and stress.
Delegate or ask for help
Taking on too many tasks at home or work can cause a lot of stress. Let go of the idea that you are the only person who can get a job done. Take a closer look at your time and the tasks on your to-do list. Choose the tasks that you can and should delegate and those that you should keep.
Take breaks to recharge
Taking a break gives your brain and body a chance to relax and recharge. Simply taking a few deep breaths can help to reduce stress.
Exercise
Exercise has proven to be a great stress reliever. Walking, running, or any aerobic activity can boost endorphins, the brain’s feel-good transmitter, which helps reduce stress.
Saying no
Dealing with too many requests, in your personal or professional life, can be very stressful. Learning to say no helps reduce stress levels and gives you time for what’s truly important.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for many areas of your health and well-being; it is a powerful stress reducer. Make sure you are getting 7-8 hours of sleep.
Final Thoughts
Chronic stress can impact our overall health. Don’t ignore the stress signal when you receive it. Start by taking some suggestions listed above to reduce your stress.