7 Easy Ways to Combat Stress

10.15.21 10:54 AM - By Motion Connected

Stress is a normal, psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. Stress can be good, motivating you to perform at your job or complete a home-improvement project. But when faced with multiple challenges daily, and repeatedly, it can push you beyond the ability to cope.

What is important, is to learn how to deal with stress. Without healthful strategies in place, the little everyday stressors can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, a weakened immune system, high blood pressure and a host of other physical and mental ailments.

By managing stressors in a more productive way, stress can stay more under control. Use these tips listed below to start today.

1. Move your body each day

It doesn't need to be intense or take hours. Stress levels can be reduced with a 5-minute walk around the block. You could:

Stretch
Go for a walk or bike ride
take a virtual exercise class
do what YOU enjoy

Whether it's paddle boarding, hiking, kickboxing, or gardening, find a movement that you enjoy doing. You will most likely do it for a longer period of time. Plus you will get a mental boost from the happiness and positive energy you experienced during physical activity that can last several days.

2. Take advice of Michael Pollan: Eat Food, not too much, mostly plants

Eating a consistent diet full of nutrient-rich veggies and whole grains has been shown to reduce stress. Try visiting your local farmer's market for the best in-season, local produce.

3. Take a breath

Breathing exercises ground you back into your body and relax the nervous system. Incorporate these breathing exercises, mentioned by Cleveland Clinic:

Deep Breathing  
Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow exhalation you feel more relaxed.

Rhythmic Breathing   
If your breathing is short and hurried, slow it down by taking long, slow breaths. Inhale slowly, then exhale slowly. Count slowly to five as you inhale, then count slowly to five as you exhale. As you exhale, pay attention to how your body naturally relaxes.

4. Utilize your PTO

Everyone needs a break to rest and recharge. A weekend in the woods camping, or a half-day at home to catch up on sleep can make a huge difference.

5. Practice Positive Thinking

By thinking positively, you become more resilient, which helps you cope better with stress. Throughout the day, incorporate a glass-half-full mentality and see where it takes you.

6. Incorporate self-care into each day

Meditate
Yoga
Spend time outside
Listen to your favorite music
Watch a funny movie
Connect with a loved-one
Sign up for a virtual cooking class
Have a dance break

Another great way to alleviate stress is by engaging with nature. Watch this video on the power of nature as therapy. Try out one of two of these tips and monitor how you feel!