Stress and Anxiety
With our busy lives and the challenges we all face, stress is a constant feature for all of us. It can sometimes get too much to manage and in these times it is especially important to have healthy “coping mechanisms.”
These are ways we can either release or manage the stress and we want them to be positive influences on our health.
Sometimes people develop bad “coping mechanisms” which might help temporarily but usually have a negative effect on ourselves and those around us. Examples of this are: turning to alcohol, drugs, excessively “venting” on those around us in a disorganized or non-constructive fashion (ie. instead of having honest, healing conversations).
Here are five tips to help constructively “cope” with stress and anxiety in a positive way:
Encourage Regular Physical Activity:
Exercise is a powerful stress reducer, it’s technically a form of stress on the body but it helps combat other more negative forms of stress. It can improve mood and overall well-being. Even a short daily walk can make a big difference though we want to try aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 3 times per week to maintain a healthy body.
Learn Healthy Eating Habits:
A balanced diet rich in whole foods, especially fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage stress and anxiety. Avoid excessive caffeine, artificial flavorings, preservatives and sugar. Foods rich in antioxidants and fiber can also improve our gut health which does have a link to our mood and levels of stress.
Learn Relaxation Techniques:
Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and body. It’s always a good idea to practice these regularly as sometimes we can prevent our stress reaching critical levels by acknowledging it and addressing it early.
Foster Social Connections:
Social contact is a vital part of our mental (and physical) wellbeing as it not only allows us to communicate and share experiences but it also changes our mood, sometimes even helping us release positive neurotransmitters (“feel good chemicals”) in our brains like serotonin and oxytocin among others. We should always try to spend time with friends and family. Social support can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
Establish a reliable Routine:
Having a structured daily routine can provide a sense of control and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety. Include time for relaxation and hobbies and some flexibility. Remember to be kind to yourself if you cannot keep to your routine, too much rigidity can add to your anxiety instead of reducing it. Kindness is a big part of self-care!
Remember that you are not alone in this process and reach out to us or people you trust when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Hang in there and good luck managing your stress!
