Everyone has stress, however, some people experience it more intensely than others, which can affect your health and well-being. Being stressed and overwhelmed can lead to health issues, including anxiety, depression, heart disease, and digestive problems. But fear not, there are effective ways to manage stress and improve your overall health! (Coming from a person who has suffered from crippling anxiety… this is light at the end of the tunnel).

🏋🏻‍♀️ Exercise
Exercise is a powerful stress-buster. Endorphins are released when we exercise, and they immediately boost our mood. It also helps to reduce tension in the body. Any form of physical activity, whether going for a walk, hitting the gym, or practising yoga, can be beneficial. Find an activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.

🧘🏻‍♀️ Meditation
Meditation is a mindfulness practice that can help to calm the mind and reduce stress. Even just a few minutes of meditation daily can make a big difference in your overall well-being. To get started, find a quiet space to sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Then, when thoughts arise, acknowledge them and return your attention to your breath. Over time, regular meditation practice can help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of relaxation.

🌿 Spend time in nature
Spending time in nature has a calming effect on the mind and body. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the mountains, make time to connect with nature (Going hiking would make me more stressed, but if you enjoy it, go for it!). Being in nature reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and improves your mood. If you don’t have access to nature in your area, try bringing nature inside with houseplants or nature sounds app (if you don’t consider yourself a plant parent, don’t worry, it’s a skill you can acquire!).

👯‍♀️ Social connection
Social connection is essential to mental and emotional health (we are social creatures!). Make meaningful connections with family and friends, whether through phone calls, video chats, or socially distanced walks. Connecting with others can help reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, and common stressors. It can also help to boost mood and provide a sense of support.

🫁 Deep breathing
Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to reduce stress. Remember, our breath is a constant in our lives and we can always rely on it. So when you’re stressed, take a few deep breaths, focusing on the exhale. Deep breathing helps activate the body’s relaxation response, which can help reduce feelings of tension and anxiety. You can do this anywhere, whether sitting at your desk or waiting in line at the grocery store.

💤 Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential! A general advice would be to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. However, it depends on each person how much sleep they need! Some need more; some need less. Lack of sleep can increase anxiety and make it harder to manage stress. To promote better sleep, create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practising relaxation techniques.

🥑 Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats (such as nuts) can help support your body’s stress response. When stressed, your body needs nutrients to help repair and replenish.

🤍 Practice self-care
Self-care practices (taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to music) can help you relax and reduce stress. Self-care is about taking time to do things that nourish and support your well-being. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary for good health. So find activities that make you feel good and make them a regular part of your routine.

🙅🏻‍♀️ Set boundaries
Setting boundaries around work, social media, and other stressors can help you manage stress and protect your mental health. Boundaries help you establish what’s important to you and prioritize self-care. Examples of boundaries include turning off your phone at a certain time each night or setting limits on your work hours.

🐕‍🦺 Seek support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional or a support group. There are excellent resources online that you can try out, or sometimes speaking to a friend goes a long way!

Managing stress is an essential part of living a healthy and balanced life. Incorporating these simple and effective strategies into your daily routine can reduce stress and improve your overall health and well-being.