Terri Ramsey Beavers Let’s be honest, life is more stressful today in 2023 than it was even 50 years ago. We have all sorts of pressures coming at us from all angles, from pandemics to fires. Prices are on the rise, and when you add all this up, sometimes just getting up and getting out of bed can be a challenge
Unfortunately, ongoing stress can start to take its toll not just on our minds, but also on our bodies. If we’re in a perpetual state of stress it can lead to back pain, migraines, and in extreme cases even a heart attack. Managing your stress is important, particularly if you have a family to take care of. The good news is that there are ways to effectively manage your stress and weather even at the most stressful of moments. Whether you’re moving to a new home or juggling work deadlines, here are some of the best tips for managing stress— the natural way.
Practice Meditation
Meditation is a powerful way to promote mental clarity and overcome even the most stressful of situations. By gathering our thoughts and focusing on our breath, we maintain a sense of inner peace and mindfulness.
Meditation can be done in all sorts of places, not necessarily only with our eyes closed. The truth is you can meditate while doing anything! From driving to walking down the street, to doing the dishes, you can achieve a meditative state of mind by simply existing in the now.
Regular meditation practice has been shown not only to reduce your overall stress levels, but improve physical health, and increase productivity. Try a few minutes a day, and gradually increase the amount of time you meditate. The more you can increase the amount of meditation you do in a day, the greater you’ll reap the benefits.
Exercise
Exercise does more for you than simply burning calories. Exercise releases endorphins which are those feel-good chemicals that make you feel happy. Statistics show that people who exercise regularly are much less likely to experience feelings of desperation, sadness, and stress.
Even something as simple as a daily brisk walk can make a world of difference in your resilience to anxiety. Not to mention, your physique will change since you’ll be in better shape, ultimately leading to improved self-esteem.
Set Goals
Sometimes we need to break life up into small pieces rather than seeing it as one giant project to take on. Set small achievable goals, and check them off as you go. Doing so will help lighten your workload and help you prioritize tasks. Above all, give yourself a little credit each time that you achieve a goal. Because being proud of your accomplishments is an important part of lowering your stress levels.