Stress. Everyone has experienced stress at one time or another. We need to learn how to deal and respond to stressful situations.
Did you know that stress could wreck-havoc on your overall health, such as your heart health? Lowering stress could go a very long way in helping you avoid and manage conditions, that may result in some form of heart disease.
So, what are some of the things you could do to lessen your stress? Below are seven ways to help you reduce stress.
- Meditate and Pray
Anxiety and stress go hand in hand. Therefore, you need to minimize what triggers stress and anxiety to prevent it from escalating.
Spending time meditating and praying can help you reduce stress while giving you a sense of calm. Prayers offer you some hope that you will overcome the challenges you are encountering.
- Be Grateful and Give Thanks
Keeping a gratitude journal or just spending a few minutes thinking about the things you are thankful for could help reduce your stress. It helps you focus on the positive things in your life which may allow you to sleep better. Rest can help you think clearer and look at your situation more optimistically.
- Practice Deep Breathing
Relaxation and deep breathing exercises are excellent for your mind and your body. They carry more oxygen to the body and both have been proven to lessen the levels of cortisol in your body and momentarily lowering your blood pressure.
- Laugh Often
Laughter is an excellent way to reduce the stress hormone. Proverbs 17:22, tells us that laughter is good medicine for the soul.
Additionally, laughter triggers healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. It also increases oxygen to your heart, lungs, and muscles. It relieves your stress response and helps release tension by soothing your muscles.
Laughter makes you feel great so, it is important to spend more time with folks who make you laugh.
- Make Time for Yourself
Taking care of yourself should be your most important priority. While it is important to help others, you must first take care of yourself. One way you can take care of yourself is by treating yourself to something you enjoy. Another way is to take time off for leisure/vacation.
- Getting Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital for your overall well being. Seven to nine hours of sleep is important for good heart health and allows the body to repair itself. It also prevents excess weight gain.
- Helping Someone
Helping the less fortunate brings a sense of fulfillment. It takes the focus of yourself by distracting you from your problems. It makes you feel worthy and good about yourself.
Things that seem overpowering will become trivial with better stress management methods. You’ll be more energetic, happier, healthier, and ready to face whatever obstacles may come your way.