6 SIMPLE WAYS to Reduce & Combat STRESS
Stress happens to everyone. We can’t avoid it completely as it’s still an inevitable part of life. In some situations,it can even be a good thing – pushing us to do our best, when you need to reach the deadline or run after the bus.
While the short kicks of stress that inspire us to focus on the tasks, finding yourself chronically stressed out or with too much stress can be harmful to our health. Extended or intense stress essentially pushed body into “fight or flight” mode, which in the long-run will negatively impact things immunte system, hormones, digestion, mood, and just almost overall well-being,
Luckily, you’re not powerless against stress! Keep you cortisol levels in check and stay on top of your game with these simple strategies:
1. Ditch the doomscrolling
We all know the temptation of social media and the news, but constant exposure to negativity can be a major stressor. Think about how you feel after scrolling through endless bad news or comparing yourself to perfectly curated online lives. Set limits on how much time you spend consuming it, and free up that mental space for something more empowering, for example a 20 min. of walk around the neighbourghood with a good podcast?
2. Focus on being present
While planning and goals are important, worrying on the future can steal your joy. Instead of worrying about that presentation next week, focus on what you are doing right. When anxiety creeps in, take a deep breath and bring your attention back to the present moment. You can only control the present moment and choose how you feel about it. That’s where your magic happens! For example, when is the last time you sat on the sofa, starring through the window into the sky thinking “I am bored”. Do you remember this feeling form your childhood? Try to seek a moment of “doing and feeling nothing” and take it from there, choosing to feel it, instead of running away to the future or the past.
3. Set boundries
Don’t be afraid to say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities, just like events, project, work. People-pleasing might seem like the nice thing to do, but it can lead to resentment and burnout. Remember, your well-being more imporant than saying yes to things that don’t make you happy. For example, if a friend asks you to help with a project that’s going to completely derail your weekend plans, it’s okay to politely decline. Practice of saying “I have other plans”, even when you have zero plans. Normalize for for yourself that having a “no plans” actually is a plan, like doing nothing over the weekend. I actually plan to do nothing, at least for few hours a week. Normalize that having an empty block in your calendar is a plan and you’ll have easier time to say ‘no’, simply buy saying “I have other plans”.
4. Get you body moving
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. It is how it is. Go for a walk, run, dance, or do some yoga. Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever! Whether you’re a cardio queen, a dance diva, or a weightlifting wonder, getting your body moving helps release tension and boost your mood. Go for a walk, run, dance, or do some yoga. Your body holds into stress and tension, so any kind of movement will make a change. Just as minimum as 4000k steps a day make a difference. Do you reach at least 4000k steps a day? Even a simple walk from home to work and back, doing grocery shopping adds up. Check your steps if you drive a car on a daily basis and reach for 4000k at least.
5. Practice attitude of gratitude
Take a few minutes each day to appreciate the good stuff in your life. A little gratitude goes a long way in shifting your mindset and attracting more positivity. Maybe it’s the warmth of the sun on your face, the delicious smell of your morning coffee, or a kind word from a friend. Take some intentional time each day to where you thing of at least 3 good things. For example, you can think about it before the night sleep, you can write it down in your journal in the morning, or just stop yourself during the day looking through the window appreciating the good weather. For example, you might it is silly or repetative every day, but that’s life sometimes, right? The trick is to get grounded and focus on what we have instead of what we don’t and want.
6. Seek sunshine
Soak up some natural light whenever you can! Sunshine increases your vitamin D levels and elevates your mood – a win-win for your well-being. Take a walk during your lunch break, have your coffee on the balcony, or simply sit by a window. Sunlight can improve your mood and reduce stress. In cases like me, where in Denmark we do not get too much sunlight during the long period of time, making sure to take the vitamin D is literally a question of survival. However, no a life or dead kind of survival, but a stress and tiredness kind of survival.
Remember, ladies, taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential! These simple steps are easy to do, but also they are easy just not to do. So it’s important to remember that no one will take care of yourself but you. You need to proactive and intentional about preventing stress from tipping the scales and reaching unhealthy and toxic levels. By incorporating these simple strategies into your routine, you can keep stress at bay and stay on top of your game. You’ve got this!
x.o.x.o Tinna