Five Key Ways to Healthily Manage Stress

We could all use a lot less stress in life, couldn't we? From work and family stress to social and personal stress, there is more than enough to go around. The good news, however, is that there are ways to ease your stress levels if you are ready to put your mind to it. Your body uses stress to react to its situation, whether it’s a challenge or a demand. Everybody experiences stress at some level or in some way. It can be triggered by a range of events, and it can be the smallest trigger that sets off a stress response in the body. This response includes physical symptoms like a racing heart or your blood pressure going up and other aspects such as heightened emotions.

Stress is an important function of the body as it enables us to respond quickly to potential threats and avoid danger at the same time. The problem is that lengthy exposure to stress can lead to a burden on our mental health, making us feel anxious and unable to think clearly. The good news is that there are some key ways to manage your stress levels healthily so you don't feel overburdened. We've got those for you below:

Do Breathing Exercises

The quickest way to slow a racing heart and calm the nerves is to do breathing exercises. Taking a deep breath directly using your diaphragm in five-second intervals and blowing out those breaths can help you reduce your stress. 

Attending a yoga or pilates class is a good way to even out your breathing. You'll be able to slow your breathing down and calm your mind at the same time.

Find New Hobbies

A good way to reduce your stress is to find new hobbies. The energy and the adrenaline that stress builds up within you can be pushed into those hobbies, and you will feel much better for it. Kayaking and being on the water when you canoe or swim can be a great way to distract yourself because you are changing the temperature around you and giving your body something to do to burn off all that stress energy.

Painting and cooking are two other excellent hobbies to try if you are stressed out because they can help you concentrate your mind’s focus on creativity. Fishing is another excellent activity because it gives you a way to focus and be quiet with your mind, which can really help you to reduce those stress levels. If you've got the time, learning a new instrument can also be a healthy way to help you reduce your stress levels because you’ll be focusing on teaching yourself a new form of art. Not only that, but you'll get the satisfaction of knowing that you're learning something new.

Engage in Physical Activity

Most people can feel when their bodies are stressed because of the levels of energy ricocheting through their minds. Being able to push that energy into something less stressful can be a huge help to you. You can concentrate any pent-up energy from stress into cardio exercises or strength training workouts. Pounding out the pavement and going for a run or just going for a power walk can also help to de-stress your body.

You'll also be able to feel that stress leave while you are lifting weights at the gym. Feeling euphoric and having a sense of accomplishment when you are done with your workout can ease the symptoms of excessive anxiety and help you feel less overwhelmed. Exercising can help you push down the stress hormone cortisol and elevate the oxytocin levels in your blood in a healthy way, helping you feel less stressed and more clearheaded. 

Find Time to Vacation

Whether you plan a trip with friends or family or you choose to sightsee solo, you can reduce your stress levels by planning a vacation. Finding time to go and see something else and explore can help you feel better and let go of all the things that are weighing you down. Many individuals feel better after they've had a vacation, and you should put yourself in an environment you're most comfortable in. 

If you are most comfortable on the beach, go there first. If you prefer to let go of all that adrenaline by skiing down mountain slopes, travel there next. Sightseeing is a great stress reducer because you'll be able to see new sights from new places, expand your horizons, and leave many of life’s responsibilities at home. Vacations can serve as a huge distraction by taking you completely away from the stressors of routine living.

Prioritize Good Nutrition and Rest

If your stress levels are high, then you should start prioritizing healthy eating and getting enough sleep. Nourishing your body with the right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can help you feel physically stronger and more energetic. Often, stress will set in when we are dealing with lethargy and exhaustion. 

But if you are not feeling that level of exhaustion because you are keeping up with your healthy eating and resting, then you're going to find it much easier to recover. Rest is also important because stress can lead to insomnia. Speak to a doctor if you are not getting enough sleep. A medical professional may be able to recommend solutions for you so that you can get better sleep each night.

Contact Us For Help

If you're currently grappling with an addiction, or you are under stress from something else in your life and you are turning to unhealthy means of coping, then reach out to Jackson House Rehab today. We are here to help you and support you back onto the right path so that you aren’t mired in situations like substance use as a result of stress. We believe in fully supporting you and empowering you on your recovery journey.

We would love to hear from you and help you begin your journey toward getting the right support and assistance. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment plans today.