Learning to manage stress is essential to maintaining a good balance. How can you do this? Among other things, by knowing how to set priorities, reserving time for yourself, and learning to communicate well with others. Not to mention getting enough sleep, eating well and being active daily. Here are a few tips on how to better manage daily stress and maintain good health:
Make changes. They are often small, but they make a big difference. For example, do you have trouble sleeping when you work late at night? Try working early in the morning instead. Do you choose fast food because you don't have time to cook? Consider signing up for a healthy home meal delivery service.
Take care of yourself. When stressed, we should take better care of ourselves, but most of us do the opposite. We neglect our sleep and diet, drink more alcoholic beverages, and fail to exercise. Opt for yogurt in the morning instead of eating a pastry, or give yourself 15 minutes of exercise on the treadmill after work. A healthy body is better able to handle stress.
Get enough sleep. This is the first thing people neglect when they are stressed. Limit caffeine intake, establish a routine before bedtime and try these strategies for better sleep.
Eat a healthy diet. Food acts as fuel for the body, and the higher the quality of the fuel, the better your body will function. Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and fit.
Refuel. Take short 10-minute breaks during the day. When you have a lot of work, it can be tempting to go all out. But taking short breaks at regular intervals can improve productivity by strengthening your attention span and concentration.
Set specific goals for yourself. Instead of saying, "I should eat better," commit to bringing a healthy meal to work every day. Instead of promising yourself that you'll try to get more rest, commit to turning off the lights by 11 p.m. every night.
Be grateful. Actively showing gratitude leads to a more positive attitude daily.
Learn to say no. Too many responsibilities only add to your stress. Saying yes to everyone is giving up our well-being.
Focus your attention. Our brains spend a lot of time thinking about the past or the future. But there's something incredibly calming about simply enjoying the present moment. Try guided meditation or practice focusing your attention on your breathing. Pay attention to the small details of life, whether it's the texture of the food you eat or the sound of the wind in the trees.
Taking care of yourself also means taking care of your eyes. Make an appointment for your annual eye exam and treat yourself to new glasses or pair of sunglasses that make you feel good.
