We all feel stressed and anxious occasionally – and this stress and anxiety come in part from a feeling that we are losing control of something in our work or daily lives. While feeling this way is completely normal, there may be times when you feel stressed and anxious, even when there’s nothing to feel stressed and anxious about! When this happens, there might be something that’s triggering such a reaction. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with stress and anxiety and even eliminate them from your daily life. How do you do it, then? Here are the top ways.
- Exercise
One surefire – and proven – way to reduce stress and anxiety is to exercise regularly. It’s true: physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help you feel more energised and more relaxed at the same time. Mind you, you don’t need to exercise vigorously or run a marathon to experience the full benefits of being active. You can do a yoga session, a 30-minute walk, or run around at home – and they can already do wonders for your mental (and physical!) health and well-being.
- Meditate
Meditation is another way to manage anxiety and stress. It involves focusing on your breath and being ‘in the moment,’ which can calm your mind and reduce negative thoughts and feelings. You can begin with just a few minutes of meditation each day – and gradually increase the time as you become more at ease and comfortable.
- Be mindfulness
There has been a lot of emphasis on ‘being mindful’ these days, and when you practice mindfulness, you are more aware of your feelings, emotions, and thoughts in the present moment. With mindfulness, you can become more aware of your triggers, which will help you prevent stress and anxiety from taking over. You can practice mindfulness in many ways – you can meditate, try deep breathing exercises, or simply take a few minutes to observe your surroundings and focus on your five senses.
- Become more organised
Our stress levels can increase significantly when we have cluttered surroundings or an endless to-do list. But when you become more organised, you have a better feeling of control and can reduce your anxiety. You can start by decluttering your workspace, using an app or a planner to manage your schedule (and you can even hire a virtual assistant to do some tasks for you) and break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Connect with those in your circle
We all know that social support and support from our family and peers are essential for good mental health. Spend time with your loved ones, join a support group, or simply chat with a friend – all this can help you feel more connected and less isolated. Social connections can also provide a sense of purpose and belonging, boosting your self-esteem and reducing stress.
- Establish clear boundaries
Learning to say no and establishing healthy and clear boundaries can help reduce stress in your daily life – and prevent you from burning out. It’s fine to prioritise your needs once in a while – and taking a break is also necessary. Setting boundaries can also help you avoid overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed by many tasks and obligations.
