7 Techniques to Relieve Stress

It might come as a surprise to you that biological stress is a fairly recent discovery, which wasn’t identified until the late 1950s. According to the WHO, the number of individuals suffering from depression and/or anxiety has increased by nearly 50% since 1990 and 2013. Most of us just strive to endure it as if it’s just part of the transaction of life. However, the consequences of not addressing stress can be incredibly detrimental leading to severe anxiety and depression, panic attacks, life threatening diseases and suicide. Regardless of how severe your stress may be, this article is going to explain 7 techniques to relieve that stress and hopefully give you a better quality of life. 

Meditate

Meditation is not about emptying your mind but about peace of mind. During meditation you are focusing your breath and the sensations in your body. The breath plays a vital role in controlling emotions and keeping anxiety at bay. Here is a guided meditation for stress relief video to get you started. 

Eat Right 

Stress levels and a proper diet are closely related. When we are overwhelmed, we have a tendency to resort to comfort food, which aren’t the healthiest for our bodies. Try to avoid sugary snacks and plan ahead. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy carbs. 

Reduce Social Media Use 

One thing we cannot stress enough is that social media is not real. It is a platform from which 99% of people will only use to display the good in their lives, which is likely to cause envy and stress. Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop feeling like you could be doing more or that your life is less than, because it is not. Unplug from time to time and try connecting more with a pulse. Start a new hobby, hang out with your friends, read a book, exercise… the list is endless. 

Listen to Music

If you are feeling overwhelmed and stress then try taking a break and listening to some music. Playing calm music has a positive effect on the brain and body, can lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. If classical music isn’t your think try listening to ocean or nature sounds. Here is a playlist that we love to play full volume when we are experiencing high levels of stress. 

Laugh it off 

Did you know that laughter releases endorphins that improve mood and decrease levels of the stress-causing hormone cortisol and adrenaline. Laughing literally tricks your nervous system into making you happy. Either put on one of your favorite comedy movies or try one of the “try not to laugh” challenges on YouTube. 

Get a Good Nights Sleep 

Everyone knows stress can cause you to lose sleep and unfortunately, lack of sleep is also a key cause of stress. Turn the TV off earlier, dim the lights, put your phone away one hour before bed time, give yourself time to relax before going to bed. It may be the most effective stress buster on our list. 

Talk With a Friend 

When you’re feeling stressed, take a break to call a friend and talk about your current problems. Good relationships with friends and loved ones are important to any healthy lifestyle. A reassuring voice, even for a minute, can put everything into perspective. 

So there we have you beautiful people. Let’s try and stress less.