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9 Lifestyle Changes that Can Help Reduce Stress

Sad Puppy

Stress is inevitable in life. No matter how many affirmations or mantras you choose to follow, there are still countless moments in which we all feel drained and overwhelmed. Even though you may feel defeated when things don’t end up going your way, there still are several ways you can find solace amidst the storm.

Are you ready for the readjustment?

Here are nine effective ways you can reduce stress in your hectic lifestyle.

1. Put a Cap On that Caffeine!

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Caffeine is a stimulant that can be found in energy drinks, tea, coffee, and chocolate. High amounts of caffeine can increase anxiety. Every person has a different threshold for the amount of caffeine they can tolerate. If you think a certain amount of caffeine is making you jittery, consider reducing your caffeine intake.

Certain studies show that consuming a moderate amount can be healthy, but that may not be recommended for everyone. In general, less than five cups is considered to be the normal amount.

2. Gum May Help

Gum May Help

To relieve stress in a super quick and easy way, consider chewing gum. One study showed that people who chew are stressed less often and have a greater sense of wellbeing. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is that chewing gum can produce brain waves identical to stress-free people.

Moreover, it can also increase the blood flow to your brain. One study showed that stress relief could be the highest when people chew gum strongly.

So whenever you’re heading out to work, keep a pack of gum with you at all times. You never know when you may need one!

3. Look for Triggers of Stress and Get Rid of Them

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If you’re like most people, we’re sure your life is full of excessive demands, and you have too little time to fulfil them all. Mostly, these are the demands we’ve chosen to prioritise. To cater to them, you can free up time by practising time management skills, or if it gets too overwhelming, you may ask for help.

Set your priorities, pace yourself up to meet these deadlines, and don’t forget to take out time for yourself.

4. Spend Time with Family and Friends

4. Spend Time with Family and Friends

Social support from family and friends can help you get through those stressful moments in life. Being a part of a friends group can give you a sense of self-worth and belong through those tough times.

One research found that for women specifically, spending time with children and friends can release oxytocin which is a natural stress reliever. Experts call this the “tend and best friend” effect, and it’s considered the opposite of the “fight-or-flight” response. That said, always remember that both women and men benefit from friendship.

Another research showed that both women and men with the least friends had the highest chance of suffering from anxiety and depression.

5. It’s Okay to Say No

It’s Okay to Say No

Even though you can’t control every stressor in your life, some can be avoided.

Take control over the parts of your life that you can control and change whatever is causing you stress. One way to do this is to say “no” more often. This can be particularly useful if you often find yourself biting more than you can chew. Juggling responsibilities that overwhelm you are going to be an obvious source of stress.

Be selective about what you take on. Say no to things that stress you unnecessarily.

6. Monitor Your Diet

Close up of healthy salad with quinoa, green peas, spinach and poached egg

Your brain is a metabolically active part of your body. To function, it needs a steady stream of nutrients. A poor diet may not provide all of the nutrients necessary to create neurotransmitters, which will instead provoke feelings of depression and anxiety. Consult a nutrient and follow appropriate dietary schedules.

Eat healthy food and ensure that your table is full of fresh whole foods and drinks. Drink lots of water and get ample calcium. Moreover, cut the number of sweetened beverages you consume. Sweetened tea, juices, and soda are 30% more likely to cause feelings of depression. The same study also stated that people who consume unsweetened coffee reported feelings of depression less often.

7. Sleep Is Not for the Weak

Tired single woman resting on the bed of an hotel room or home

Poor sleeping patterns tend to have a long-lasting impact on a person’s mood. That’s because when you don’t get enough sleep, the neurotransmitters needed to support your happy mood aren’t replenished. Thus, long restorative sleep or a nap is essential to keep your brain balanced, which, in turn, alleviates the feelings of stress.

People who don’t get adequate sleep every night are more likely to get depressed than people who sleep peacefully. Moreover, research has also shown that people who suffer from sleep deprivation are more likely to classify neutral instances as negative. That is also why some people are increasingly pessimistic.

“Hey, mom, it’s the 17th of October!”

“I know, isn’t that dreadful?”

8. Leading a Purposeful Life

Leading a Purposeful Life

Extensive research has shown that people who are profoundly connected with who they are can handle the ups and downs of life much more easily. A sense of purpose acts as a psychological buffer for the obstacles you face in life. Thus, if you have a goal in mind, you may still be able to power through a difficult day. According to psychologists, this resilience can lead to long-term happiness.

Moreover, spirituality can also help you tackle the challenges you face.

9.     Avoid Procrastinating

Lastly, one additional way to stay on top of things is to avoid procrastinating. This habit may make you act reactively rather than proactively. You’re going to always lag, scrambling to catch up with life.

This will cause you stress, which will ultimately affect your health. Make a to-do list and organise it according to your life’s priorities. Give yourself realistic deadlines and work your way down the list.

Dreaming about buying the new i30 from Hyundai? Create a budget and give yourself strict financial goals.

Dreams only work when you do!

Wrapping Up

Even though anxiety and stress can arise easily in your personal life and workspace, there are several ways you can reduce the pressure you feel. Embrace these tips into your lifestyle and prepare for change. 

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