Did you know that 76% of Canadians feel everyday stress? 32% of these stressed-out Canadians say their jobs are the biggest source of stress, 28% feel that their finances are the main cause, 19% said they were most stressed out about their health, 13% were concerned about their family life. The remaining 8% were unable to pinpoint their cause of stress. Stress can cause muscle tension, restricted blood flow, headaches, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, pain, and cardiovascular disease. Here are some ways to help manage your stress.
Get 8.5 Hours of Sleep Every Night
Getting this recommended amount of sleep will significantly improve your mood and decreases stress. Functioning on a good night’s sleep allows you to think rationally and keeps you from being easily irritated. Exercise Daily. Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress. While working out your body releases endorphins, which is the body’s natural feel-good chemical. Endorphins naturally boost your mood allowing you to be at ease.
Take a Time-out
It is okay to remove yourself from a situation and take a little break. Do not be afraid to move on to something else or just take a 10-minute breather before tackling the issue. A little time-out is a great way to collect your thoughts to make a rational decision when it’s time to deal with the task at hand.
Eat Well Balanced Meals
Do not skip any meals. Our bodies deal with stress better when they are well-nourished. Keep energy-boosting foods like bananas and nuts on hand to refuel your body and don’t forget to drink lots of water!
Talk to Someone
Call a friend or family member to discuss the challenges that you are facing. Friends and family make great support systems and are always willing to provide advice or even just an ear to listen.
Meditate
Meditating is a great way to release emotions that are causing physical stress to the body. This peaceful environment focuses on self-compassion and forgiveness while being completely disconnected from the world. A positive state of mind improves one’s ability to think clearly and make logical decisions.
Learn to Say No
A lot of us are guilty of saying yes to everything because we do not want to cause disappointment. The art of saying no can be difficult, especially if people are not used to hearing it from you. The bottom line is that we are only human and there is only so much we can do. You are the only one who knows what is too much for you to handle. You have to be able to speak up and say no, even if they try and beg and convince you. No means no.
Be Positive
It is easy to pick out the negative, especially in less desirable situations. We have to remember it is mind over matter. If we keep seeing the negative and not the positive, the situation is going to be negative. If we look for the positive, the situation will be easier to deal with. Try to see the glass half full rather than half empty.
Relax
Take time for yourself and just breathe. Have a nap, go to the spa or slip into a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub. The combination of the hot water and the jets create the ultimate stress-free environment. While soaking in the hot tub you can temporarily remove yourself from your busy life and let your mind be at ease. Avoid all interruptions by leaving your phone inside. Kindly ask family members to take messages and take advantage of some alone time. Enhance your hot tub experience with soothing music and candles.
Take a Vacation
Pack your bags and get away. Sometimes we just need a little time to let our mind and body be free from your busy life. In this day and age, we are all about schedules and routines. Take a break from the everyday rules you have made for yourself, sleep in, stay up late and ignore the outside world.
