All of us are exposed to stress in our daily lives, whether it relates to our professional careers or the ups and downs of personal relationships and tasks. As the world deals with political crises and cost of living crises, many people are facing the realities of uncertainty; we need to work on managing our stress. Here are some ways that people can do that:
- Try calming activities
Incorporating calming activities into one’s daily routine can be incredibly beneficial for reducing stress levels. Engaging in activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature can help calm the mind and promote relaxation. Those seeking an additional layer of tranquility can consider exploring products like the CBDX Disposable Vape which is not only calming but can also add a bit of relaxing fun to your day. Whether you do it alone or with friends, it can be a good way to destress after a long day. That said, you should find what calms you down the most and make a habit of practicing it.
- Exercise
We don’t only reduce stress when we relax. We can also lower our stress levels by exercising. A little encouragement for those who don’t do sports: by the way, sports are most valuable when you don’t overdo them. Whether it’s strength training in the gym, relaxation techniques like QiGong and yoga, or even a simple walk in nature – there are many ways to reduce your stress level by lowering cortisol. In any case, it is important that you choose a sport that you enjoy and that suits you. If you force yourself to exercise just because it is fashionable or because others have persuaded you to do it, you will trigger renewed stress.
- Try chewing gum
While chewing things such as sugar-free gum, you change your salivary cortisol, which positively affects your mood. Studies have found that chewing gum reduces the amount of stress and anxiety, acting as a positive mood booster while making you more focused. It has also been shown to enhance your memory, having been found to have “a significant effect on both immediate and delayed word recall.” It’s also better to chew sugar-free gum rather than snacking – or worse – smoking, during times of increased pressure.
- Take charge
Stress is often accompanied by a feeling of lack of control of powerlessness. Finding a way to exercise some control over the situation can help, but it is not always possible: you may not be in control of deadlines at work or of your youngster driving your car for the first time. In these cases, find other aspects of your life that you can control. Doing so will give you confidence in your ability to handle challenges and maintain a positive attitude.
- Eat healthy
Under stress, your brain knows only one goal: energy! And it gets it by forcing you to consume as many calories as possible. Calories are found in carbohydrates, fats and sugar. And who doesn’t know the famous chocolate bar we reach for when stress gets the better of us? Unfortunately, we often go for sweets and fast food in stressful situations – after all, it has to be quick. But even if the chocolate feels like it helps at first, unhealthy foods make your stress symptoms even worse. The sugar gives you a brief boost, but your blood sugar drops rapidly again, and you fall into a deep energy hole.
Or maybe you’re someone who feels sick to their stomach under stress and eats almost nothing? In either case, a balanced, energy-rich and healthy diet is essential. You can find it in fresh and raw foods. These contain the vitamins and minerals that are important for your body. And ultimately ensure that your body can better cope with stress.
- Exercise breathing
Short breathing exercises are practical tools for acute stress and also for permanent stress when it is difficult to switch off. They can be done anywhere and at any time and take only a few minutes. Well-known breathing exercises from yoga, such as alternate breathing, help against nervousness and ensure inner peace. Holding your breath in a targeted manner also provides relaxation and stress reduction.
Bill Wirtz is the Senior Policy Analyst at the Consumer Choice Center