Simple But Effective Ways To Reduce Stress
Stress management is essential for taking care of our physical and mental health. However, research shows Americans are so busy working, that they don’t even notice a decline until it’s too late. Stress has just become very normalized as a part of life, and so are its adverse effects. But effective stress management can actually help avoid long-term illnesses such as heart attacks, stroke, or hypertension. Here are a few easy ways to reduce stress for even the busiest of lifestyles.
Spend time in nature
Taking a walk in nature and spending time in green spaces like parks and forests has shown to be a healthy way to reduce stress. While camping and hiking are excellent options, not everybody enjoys or has access to such activities. Even if you live in the city, local parks, botanical gardens, and greenhouses are a few ways to spend time in nature. An NIH study suggests that spending 10 minutes in a natural setting benefits college-aged people. No matter how busy we are, scheduling time to spend outdoors is always worth it.
To get more out of your time outside, try walking barefoot to connect directly with the earth. Studies show that contact with the Earth's surface electrons by walking barefoot outside and transfer energy from the ground into the body, improving sleep, cortisol rhythms, reducing pain and stress, as well as shifting the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic toward parasympathetic activation, and even reducing blood viscosity
Get more sleep
Stress can make it difficult to sleep, which feels like a Catch 22 when considering that the amount and quality of sleep you we can impact energy levels, mood, focus, and general functionality. If you have difficulty sleeping, consider creating a relaxing bedtime routine and setting. This might include listening to soothing music or picking up a book by an author like J.D. Barker and making a habit of reading for an hour before bed each night without any screen time.
Practice cleanliness
Research has linked the impact of cleaning on mental health. According to the ADAA, cleaning activity can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Aside from the fact that a clean home can help deal with fatigue and concentration, dirt or food particles can invite pests into your space. And this can cause more stress for you. Consider speaking to pest control experts if you notice any sign of unwanted guests in your home. Keep your home clean and consider undertaking pest inspections at least twice yearly to remove any pest in your home.
Spend time with a pet
According to a study, petting the dog can lower our stress levels. Additionally, social interaction between people and their pets can increase the production of their feel-good hormones. Although adopting a pet may appear to be a selfless act, there are numerous selfish reasons to embrace pet ownership. If you are not ready to bring home a furry companion, you can walk your neighbor’s dog, cat-sit, or volunteer at the local shelter. The brief interaction with animal friends can be rewarding in ways you have never imagined.
It can be difficult to avoid stress, especially with the current glorification of hustle. However, this doesn’t mean allowing stress to take over your life. Remember that rest is also productive, and you can't do things well if you're always stressed. Consider the above tips to reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.
