6 Ways to Reduce Stress Today

With the end of summer/fall and winter right around the corner, we can expect different things in our daily home and work life. Between Covid-19, remote learning, remote working, quarantines, and just our everyday routines, it’s very easy to feel stressed. Stress can be a very serious thing – so serious that many doctors claim it can kill you. While that may seem drastic, stress can cause real physical symptoms in our bodies. Approximately 65 percent of adults state that work is their biggest stress causer. However, we can also get stressed right in our homes. Here are some ways you and your family can reduce stress today.

Improve Your Workplace Wellness

Whether you’re working in an office or out of your home, it’s important to have as pleasant of a workspace as possible. The importance of staying hydrated cannot be overemphasized, so be sure to always have a bottle of water available. If you like greenery as part of your scenery, consider getting a small indoor plant.

Plants will not only brighten up your workspace but can also provide a calming and soothing effect. Having good lighting is important not just for your eyes but also to brighten up the room. You can’t go wrong with natural light. When the room smells good, you naturally seem to feel better and happier. Things like diffusers, scented candles, or essential oils can do wonders for your mood.

Prioritize Your Workload

One of the biggest reasons why employees become stressed is because they tend to feel overwhelmed with their workload. If you can learn to organize and prioritize your work, it can make a huge difference in your stress level. Determine what your main goals should be whether at home or in the workplace. Make a deadline for yourself. Make a to-do list of everything that needs to be done.

Put the biggest and most important tasks first and the less important tasks last. You want to do the bigger jobs when you're still energized and motivated. You also want to choose the tasks that get you closer to meeting your goals. Lastly, focus on only one or two tasks at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Plan an Event for the Future

Few things can reduce stress and uplift your spirits quicker than having something fun and pleasant to look forward to. Whether it’s jogging with friends, a dinner date with your significant other, a short vacation, or a day off to yourself, it’s important to give yourself something that will make you happy and eager to complete all your tasks. When you're happy, you're less stressed and more inclined to work more efficiently.

Get Outside and Enjoy Nature

It’s a researched fact that being indoors too much and for too long of a time can make even the most cheerful person depressed, which can bring on stress. Whether it’s watching a sunrise in the morning, a sunset at night, or just soaking up some sunshine during an afternoon walk, you’ll be amazed at how good that will make you feel.

Even on a cloudy day, try to get outside for a little fresh air. If you have a dog, your dog will enjoy going for a walk with you as much as you’ll enjoy the time together. It’s a great way to reduce stress and feel energized.

Sleep better

Stress can lead to sleeplessness, as everyone knows. Lack of sleep can also be a major cause of stress. This vicious cycle can cause the brain and body to become out of control and it only gets worse over time.

Get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. If you are not, take the time to figure out what is causing you not to sleep. Most people just brush off a bad night's sleep without figuring out the root cause of the issue. if you are sleeping on a mattress that is not designed for your optimal sleep position could be causing you a few hours each night. Over the past 10 years, mattress technology has come and long way and companies specifically design mattresses if you are a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, back sleeper, or somebody that prefers both.

Get Some Exercise

We cannot over-emphasize the importance of getting some exercise. With the high rate of stress-related accidents and illnesses as well as the high rate of obesity, doctors feel very strongly about the importance of exercising regularly. You don’t need to have your own gym to get exercise, although that does make it easier. Consider a membership to the local gym or fitness center.

If you’ve had to pay for a membership, you’re more likely to be consistent about exercising. You can always choose to go jogging or walk with a friend or family member. Even walking your dog can give you some daily exercise. You’ll feel better, sleep better, and it can really reduce stress.

Eat Healthier

Have you ever noticed how tired and bloated you feel after Thanksgiving dinner or a large meal at a restaurant? Part of the reason may be because you overate, but another reason is because of all the chemicals and preservatives they put in the foods. Eating healthier foods will not be beneficial for your diet but will also have you feeling better and more energetic.

The more fresh fruits and vegetables you can add to your diet, the better you’ll feel. Avoid foods high in refined carbs, sugars, and fat. Do not skip breakfast. Start your day with a light but healthy breakfast. You don’t expect your car to run on an empty tank. You can’t expect your body to function well on an empty stomach. Avoid heavy snacks especially at bedtime.