8 Ways To Reduce Stress Now
By: Robert Notter
Stress is a major cause of mental and physical health problems, affecting millions of people all over the globe. In fact, it's reported that more than 40 percent of Americans take mood-altering prescriptions daily to cope. We've become a nation of overworked, worried people.
Ultimately, the only way to reduce stress is to do something about it. If you don't, you'll end up another pill popper. No one said it's always easy, but there are ways to make progress.
Here is a process to reduce your stress starting today:
Identify your stress:
If you don't know what the causes are, it's more difficult to make progress to reduce your stress. Examine which areas of your life need the most work, then make a list of goals.
Make a plan:
You can either do nothing and feel bad or you can take action, one step at a time. When you actually do something about stress, you'll experience significant improvement in your life. What's one healthy action you can consistently take to feel better?
Breathe:
Deep, focused breathing causes the body to reduce stress. The next time you feel overwhelmed, sit for a minute and take some deep breaths. You could even consider making meditation a regular part of your morning ritual.
Move your body:
If you go from home to work to home, never taking time for exercise and living on junk food, you only make your stress worse. Think of ways you can integrate even a little stress-reducing exercise into your week, while putting healthier foods into your body.
Recharge your batteries:
If you aren't stopping to recharge your battery, you eventually run out of juice. Commit to taking at least one break per day even if it's only five minutes. You could even plan a vacation or go on a cruise.
Have supportive friends:
Do you have friends who support and encourage you, especially when you are feeling down or do they offer infrequent encouragement? Unsupportive friends don't help you become a better person. To move forward towards your goals, you must spend time with supportive people.
Get support:
Think about ways you can get support, you probably can't do it all on your own. Plan that vacation, take a stress reduction cours, or hire a coach. A health coach or business coach can help you take your life to the next level!