You’ve worked hard. You’re accustomed to meeting challenges head on, but lately the challenges might be winning the fight. Have you been uncharacteristically cranky, carrying more tension than you’d like? If so, you’ve been stressed. The National Institute of Health notes that being stressed out happens to all of us from time to time. Fortunately, there are several means of dealing with stress that will get you back to taking on the day. Here are a few ideas.
Balance your lifestyle
Money, or the lack of it, can be a major stressor. Balancing work and life can be difficult, but if part-time work or a side-hustle can help bring in more cash, it may be worth it. It might sound counter-productive, since work is one of the most common sources of stress, but if the job is something you like to do, the extra income will be welcome. You might even be able to turn it into a business. Many entrepreneurs choose to structure their businesses as limited liability companies (LLC) due to the tax advantages and protection of personal assets, so check into how to start an LLC in New Mexico before moving forward.
Just remember to not overdo it. Money can be a motivator, but not at the expense of your health.
Create a peaceful home
Decluttering the house is a good way to get into the right mindset. Lots of us put off cleaning, or only do it when the place has gotten to be a mess. But a clean, uncluttered environment is a less distracting workspace and creates a more peaceful home.
Calm thoughts
Verywell Mind suggests stress reduction through mindfulness meditation. Start out with as little as five minutes of time set aside to meditate. Make yourself comfortable, focus on your breathi, and observe your thoughts as they come to you. This practice has become widely popular in recent years, and there are a host of apps available to help you on your meditation journey.
Get active
A healthy mind is in tune with a healthy body. Make a regular habit of exercise to reduce stress. While all exercise can be beneficial, aerobic exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, may provide the best bang for your stress busting buck. Exercise releases endorphins in our brain that help us feel better. Try out various workouts before settling on a routine. The best exercise is the one you enjoy and can commit to regularly.
Drink to health
It’s not uncommon for busy people to consume caffeine or energy drinks during the day and alcohol at night. While these drinks can be great for a pick-me-up in a pinch, and the calming effect of alcohol can be beneficial in moderation, caffeine and energy drinks can increase anxiety and stress, while relying on alcohol to regularly destress is a recipe for addiction.
As an alternative, consider mixing up a smoothie or a refreshing recipe from Calm Sage. A blueberry smoothie or strawberry basil water will certainly quench your thirst. And the natural ingredients will provide fuel for the day and a healthy alternative to the sugar and caffeine that you’d find in a typical energy drink.
No one plans on being stressed out, but with our busy lives, it happens. Whether you have high demands at work, at school, or at home, we can all benefit from a healthy way to deal with the stress. Balance your lifestyle and make sure your environment is positive and healthy. Start a mindfulness practice like meditation to clear your mind. And if you get wound up, try a bit of exercise. Your stress can be managed in many healthy ways.
This material provided by Kristen Kennedy and written by Alex Teeter (worksowell.com), a non-affiliate of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC.