5 Ways to Reduce Stress In Times Where Stress Is Inevitable

Have you ever been a victim of negative thoughts? Possibly that isn't what is causing you stress - maybe it's something like, you just can't slow down, because you have so much to do. In this article I will be helping you, the reader, find ways in managing your stress in healthy ways. I will be delving into advice that has been ushered to myself, and since - "the proof is in the pudding" - I will share five ways to reduce the stress that so many of us know too well.

1. Nutrition

Yes! Nutrition plays a vital role in how we manage stress. If we eat the right foods, and drink enough water - it can determine our stress levels, and how we handle them. If our diets are mainly plagued by a surplus of processed foods and beverages - it can trigger our bodies to panic, which in turn leads to heightened stress levels - within our body, and our minds. When we eat healthier whole foods - it clears out inflammation that develops within our bodies. These healthier whole foods can help to keep stress levels, that is inevitable, stay where they should be. Inflammation can lead to multiple ailments - including mental health issues. Our brain is an organ, the most important organ we have - it controls our decisions, as well as the rest of our bodies. When our brains have become junked up with unhealthy chemicals from the things we take in - it can take a toll on our health, causing higher levels of stress. Our bodies were designed to take in specific nutrients and when we starve our selves from vital nutrients - it can cause us to, sort of - malfunction. If we consume the right nutrients our bodies will function properly - we are not meant to only eat one type of nutrient. So, drink water, eat apples, and pick the veggies instead of the carbonated liquid syrup and fried foods.

2. Meditation

Meditation, the all powerful activity that is supposed to heal from within. I believe meditation is super important, but I don't think many understand how to utilize this skill. In order to feel the calming effects that come from meditation - it is important to fully understand what it is. When thinking of meditation, most of us think of someone siting down with their legs crossed humming a mantra, well meditation does not have to be that. When we listen to our favorite song on repeat, or when reading your favorite book - those two things can be a form of meditation for some. So next time you are taking a walk, or taking a nap, or what ever it is you find enjoyable, remember - that is the way you meditate. Anything can be a form of meditation, as long as it is helping to reduce the cycle of over thinking, and is done in a healthy way.

3. Spend Time With People You Are Closest To

Spending time with people that we are close to, can help reduce stress - as long as the people we are with don't cause our stress. Spending time with people we are close to, can help us because - we are engaging with someone other than ourselves. This gives us a chance to take a break from our personal worries, thus, leading to less stress. Imagine a day, like the one in the picture above; spending time with others around a campfire - instead of worrying about that thing you were going to do. This time spent with our closest companions can help us listen to others - instead of our dreaded thoughts. Also, don't forget, that thing you were going to do - usually can wait.

4. Exercise

Exercise! Yes, again, this is one of those things that has been touted as one of the best ways to combat stress. Remember physical education being required in school? I believe that the reason it was required is because it is so beneficial to our ability to stay focused. When we are not focused, not just in school, but in other things - we become stressed. I know, personally, if I lose my focus on a task I'm doing - I'm super stressed. When we exercise, it releases natural chemicals that our brains produce, leading to a better state of mind. Do you remember how you felt the last time you exercised? Did it make you feel light? If it did, it was most likely do to the chemicals your brain was producing at the time. Our brains sure are extraordinary - just a bit of exercise can help boost our moods, and reduce stress - all because of our brains' neat way of making things work for us.

5. Partake in a Hobby You Might Enjoy

When we do something we enjoy on a regular basis - it can help promote the production of serotonin within our brains. Serotonin is the chemical in our brains associated with mood regulation. When we help remove our selves from the things bothering us, and we take the time to; paint, write, craft, or learn something new - we help ourselves become less stressed. When we give ourselves a little, "me-time," we are giving ourselves a chance to find solutions to our problems in a calm manner. Hobbies are important for us, because we need them to keep us on track, and help us stave off anymore stressful situations. Hobbies can help with problem solving in high stress situations, because they help build insight and perspective. It is best to keep up on your hobbies, or even find new ones, switch it up - it's okay to multitask on your interests.

Don't forget we are all human - we tend to freak out about a lot of things, and they usually lead to stress. Stress is inevitable, but it's not a forever thing, it doesn't need to eat your days away. There are so many ways to help manage stress - or cope with it. This article only states the personal things I have learned - through people sharing their ideas with me throughout my life. These coping tools have been utilized by many, and I hope anyone reading this, found it as a useful reminder - to release their worries away - or at least keep them at bay.