The 2023 Stress in America report from the American Psychological Association found 36% of adults did not know how to begin managing their stress. Finding healthy ways to manage stress is essential for both your mental and physical health. Read our five easy stress reduction tips.
Exercise:
Stress can have a severe effect on your body and your mind, so it’s important to find ways to stay physically active. By exercising you are releasing endorphins, which can help improve your mood. The exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous. Even a casual walk can elevate your mood and relieve some stress.
Prioritize self-care:
With so many responsibilities like work, school or family, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Saying “no” when you’re being stretched thin is important. Find time to incorporate self-care into your life even if it’s only for a few minutes a day. Listening to music or reading a book are easy ways to take time for yourself.
Get your rest:
The CDC recommends at least seven hours of sleep a night for adults. Staying up late at night to get more done can be counterproductive because your body needs time to recharge. Making sure you are getting enough sleep will improve your overall health and can reduce stress. If you are struggling to get to sleep due to stress, developing a relaxing nighttime routine and limiting your use of electronics immediately before bed could help.
Taking time to journal:
Journaling is another powerful stress management tool. Writing down your feelings can help you work through them and identify what is causing your stress. Gratitude journals can also be beneficial. Making it a priority to write down what you’re thankful for allows you to focus on the positive and ease stress.
Reach out to loved ones:
Finally, talking to someone you trust about your stress can be helpful. Even if you are social distancing or live far from loved ones, staying connected to people who make you happy by phone or through video chat can greatly reduce stress and feelings of loneliness. The APA also found in their survey that 61% of adults believe they could have used more emotional support in 2020. If you are feeling overwhelmed reaching out to your support system is a great way to reduce stress levels. If you or a loved one are struggling with stress, Oceans can help. You can learn more about our services here