Did you know that your current lifestyle could be seriously damaging your health without you even realizing? That morning latte on the way to work, accompanied with a Krispy Kreme, eating take out several times a week and even having a couple of late nights and big meals out with your family and friends could be affecting your stress and anxiety levels. When it comes to managing stress, what you eat and how you look after your body is key to ensuring that you can live a long and happy life. If you feel that you have been making a series of poor choices, then worry not, you will soon be able to get your life back on track in little to no time.
If you are trying to reduce your stress levels, then you can start by being brutally honest when it comes to reviewing your current lifestyle. Begin by keeping a food diary so that you can track the number of calories, salt, fat and sugar that you are eating each day. You should also watch the number of coffees that you are drinking too. Consuming too much processed food and caffeine will not only have a seriously negative effect on your waistline, but it can also provide your body with a quick energy boost before your energy levels slump again – making you feel tired and overwhelmed. However, you will not need to cut any treats out altogether, but it is important that you exercise moderation so that you begin to notice a difference and improvement in your mood. Treat your body like a well-functioning machine. If you put in good fuel, you will be able to perform and run more efficiently, meaning that your mind will be focused and sharp, and your muscles will feel less fatigued.
Get active
Even if you hate going to the gym, there are other ways that you can get up and active if you want to begin to reduce your stress levels and get your body producing those all-important endorphins or happy hormones. Plus, if you are trying to lose a few pounds, then you can choose an exercise routine that you enjoy while helping you to slim down and get back in shape. If you enjoy the great outdoors, then try walking your family pet, enjoying a jog in the park during your lunch hour or even taking your kids and loved ones on a hike or bike ride at the weekends. You can also try classes such as Yoga and Pilates that will enable you to grow your muscles and become long and lean, helping you to look slimmer and more toned. Or if you love working up a sweat, then book in for a high-intensity weights class or a spinning class, to get your blood pumping. Try a range of different ways to get active, and you are soon to find an exercise routine that works best for you.
Try meditation
If you are trying to slow down and stress less, then you could also try exploring meditation to help you to manage your negative thoughts. Around for thousands of years, meditation can help you to control and relax your mind and is used in eastern medicine as a stress-busting technique. It can take a while to learn how to meditate, so worry not if you struggle with this at first. Make sure that you find a quiet place and try sitting down on a cushion, or in a comfy chair. It is important that you feel you can connect with your body and ignore all external distractions. Begin by clearing your mind of any negative thoughts and focus on your breathing technique. You could also try installing an app on your cell phone or using a program that you can follow to help you remain focused on your meditation. Another popular way of managing your thoughts is through Mindfulness, a technique that helps you to remain in the here and now. If you are looking to improve your mood, motivation, and strengthen your mind, then be sure to try out meditation and Mindfulness to help you to combat stress.
Other stress management techniques
If you are not feeling less relaxed after trying meditation or increasing your exercise levels, then worry not. You can still explore a range of other stress management techniques so that you can find a solution that works best for you. It may be as simple as lighting a candle and running a hot bath with a warm cup of herbal tea, or a glass of wine. You could also try putting on your favorite sitcom and curling up on the sofa with your family and friends, to help you to unwind, while marijuana in small doses can help you to slow down, find out more from this company. Remember that stress management is as unique as you are, so it will be vital that you explore which option, or a variety of techniques work best for you. Do not worry if this takes you a long time; it will be worth it in the end.
If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and less like your usual self, then it is vital that you take your time to explore and try out changing your lifestyle to help you to combat stress. Make sure that you review your diet and try to make healthier meal choices. Increase your exercise levels and try out a range of activities, until you find one that works for you. You may also want to try meditation to ensure that you refocus your mind and get rid of any negative thoughts. Finally, if you are still not slowing down, then other relaxation techniques could work for you, such as running a hot bath or even lighting a candle and chilling out at home. Remember it will take time for you to find a stress-busting technique that works, however, do not despair. You will soon feel happier, healthier and less stressed out.