7 Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety - Lead a Healthy Lifestyle!

Yamini Nagharajan

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13 Jul 2022

Dealing with stress has become an inevitable aspect of life. While you may not always have full control over your circumstances, you do have control over how you react to them.

According to The American Institute of Stress:

About 33% of people report feeling extreme stress
77% of people experience stress that affects their physical health
73% of people have stress that impacts their mental health
48% of people have trouble sleeping because of stress

When stress becomes severe or chronic, it can have a negative impact on your health. That is why it is critical to have stress relievers that relax your mind and body.

What is the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety?

Any demand imposed on your brain or physical body is referred to as stress. It might be triggered by any occurrence or setting that makes you feel frustrated or anxious.

Anxiety is the dread, concern or discomfort caused as a result of stress.

Most people encounter stress and anxiety at some point in their lives. However, mismanaged stress and anxiety can disrupt your everyday life and negatively impact your mental and physical health. Hence, it's essential to keep a selection of stress-relieving techniques at hand so you can choose the ideal plan for your current situation.

Here are seven stress-reduction and prevention tips to help you lead a healthy lifestyle -

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is the extra energy needed to cope with stressful events. Early research by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests certain foods like polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fats and vegetables, help regulate cortisol levels, which boosts energy to handle stress.

2. Include Regular Exercise

Working out regularly is another wonderful way to manage your overall stress levels, keep your weight in check and stay connected with others. Exercise can keep many health conditions at bay and is well worth the effort. The trick is to start gradually and work your way up.

3. Get Quality Sleep

People often underestimate the importance of getting enough sleep. It isn't one of the most popular changes people resolve to make, but it should be. Lack of sleep can cause the body to react as if it’s in distress, releasing more of the stress hormone, cortisol.

4. Practice Meditation

Meditation yields both short-term and long-term stress reduction. There are many types of meditation practices to explore, each with its own set of benefits. You may spend a few minutes practising mindfulness, for example, in which you simply focus on what you see, hear, taste, feel and smell to be more grounded in the moment.

5. Pursue Hobbies

Do you like to garden, read or listen to music? Engage in activities that bring you pleasure and joy; studies suggest that doing so reduces stress by nearly 50% and regulates your heart rate, as well.

6. Plan a Getaway

Switching off and pending quality time enjoying nature might help you reset your stress tolerance by improving your mental and emotional outlook. A blissful vacation leaves you happier and more productive when you return.

7. Connect With Others

When you're stressed and irritable, your instinct may be to isolate yourself. Instead, reach out to family and friends and make social connections. Social contact is a good stress reliever because it can offer distraction, provide support and help you tolerate life's ups and downs. Take a coffee break with a friend or text your relative. Do not underestimate the importance of having a solid support system.

Although stress is an unavoidable part of life, being chronically stressed takes a toll on your physical and mental health. Follow these seven stress relievers to restore calm and serenity to your life. If you sense that your stress is leading to anxiety, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Professional counsellors or therapists can help you identify sources of your stress and learn new coping tools that you will respond to most effectively.