10 Tips for a Happier, Stress-Free Lifestyle

Here are 10 things that can help to reduce your stress and help you live a happier lifestyle.

1. Eat a healthier diet.

Eating healthy is one way that can assist you in living a more stress-free lifestyle. The foods we eat affect how we feel and when the body is under stressful situations we need healthy eating habits to help fight the urge to stress eat. When people are feeling stress the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone made by the adrenal gland. This hormone causes the body’s sugar levels to decrease which in turn causes the body to crave sugary snacks. Experts from UCLA Health explain how a nutritious diet can work to offset stress on the body by helping the immune system, energize the body, and stabilize blood pressure.

2. Declutter your life and declutter your mind.

Scientific evidence has shown a correlation between clutter and stress. Decluttering your life can be helpful in decluttering your mind. If you are always thinking of the things you need to do, then you will build a stressful to do list in your mind that may never get done. It can get overwhelming and even lead to depression and anxiety. Delete your email inbox, get rid of old clothes and shoes, and stop holding on to things that have no use. These seem like small steps to take but freeing up your living space will free up space in your mind.

3. Don't overthink.

According to Psychology Today overthinking things is one major cause of stress in individuals. When a person overthinks the past they create a stressful environment for themselves without meaning to. Being able to move away from the past and have a sort of mental resilience will help to give your life balance and peace. It is important to be able to bounce back when something negative happens and move forward.

4. Exercise helps to build your energy levels.

There are many physical and mental benefits of exercise. Staying fit is an important way to fight disease and increase cognitive functions. Experts tells us that exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. By reducing fatigue and increasing energy exercise will help you feel fit and happy.

5. Positive talk can change your outlook on life.

Negativity breeds negativity. This is true even when you are talking to yourself. Making statements such as “I have to go to work” can make what you “have” to do seem like it is an undesired chore. If you change the way you speak about things, then you will change the way you feel about it. Instead of stating that you “have” to do something try saying “I get to go to work.” That small change can start to take the stress out of the chores that we are required to do. Speak positivity and live happier.

6. Appearance is in the eye of the beholder.

Stop letting other people define how you feel about the way you look. When you look in the mirror try to see the beauty of the life you have lead. There is no person who looks like magazines and television portray. Try to remember that real true beauty is defined by who you are on the inside and your outside appearance is a natural reflection of the person you are on the inside. Fall in love with that person and you will reduce the stress in your life.

7. Complaining about things you cannot change does not change things.

Stop complaining about things and accept things for how they are. There is no use in harping over the negative in your life. This can cause stress to rise and depression to set in. Accept things and move on to help yourself be a happier you.

8. Take chances and have fun.

Try new things and stop being afraid to take chances. Doing new things can help to reduce stress in your life by giving you feelings of accomplishment. These feeling are needed for validation for yourself when can boost self-esteem and self-confidence.

9. Have people around you that bring out your best.

Surround yourself with people who build you up. If you find that your circle of friends does not seem to focus on the positive of life or do not point out your strengths, then you need to rethink your circle. There is a saying “you are who you hang out with”. If you do not leave your group of friends feels supported and energized, then make new friends. Surrounding yourself with positivity will help to reduce the stress in your life.

10. Get enough rest so you can feel refreshed.

Get enough sleep. Sleep is how our bodies refresh themselves and help to heal from the past day. Allow yourself a regular sleep pattern and stick to it. You will find that getting enough sleep will reduce your overall feelings of stress and help you live your best life.