MANAGING STRESS FOR HEALTHY LIVING
Simple and easy ways to effectively manage stress and live a healthy life
Simple and easy ways to effectively manage stress and live a healthy life
The recent increase in level of our busy schedules and need to balance our lives has led to stress which sometimes has its toll on our health. But stress can be managed. I have found time to put some six stress management points here which i believe is helpful in managing stress for healthy living.
1. Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated helps the body to function optimally. A lot of the symptoms of dehydration are also symptoms of stress. Such as rapid breathing, elevated blood pressure, fatigue etc. This implies that during stressful conditions, it is easy to get dehydrated. While drinking water may not take away a stressful condition, it will help the body respond better to stress. It is therefore advisable to increase water intake.
2. Take Dietary Supplements
Regular intake of supplements containing multivitamins and minerals are very helpful in prevention and stress management. For example Vitamin B complex increases energy levels and also improves cognitive performance hence reducing stress and fatigue. Magnesium is also known to improve quality of sleep. Valerian root and melatonin amoungst others are known to aid sleep .
3. Eat Meals that are Balance Diet
A healthy diet containing balanced proportions of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fruits and vegetables is important in managing stress. Highly processed foods and foods containing lots of caffeine and sugar should be avoided as these tend to increase cortisol levels in the body, distort regular sleep patterns and thus worsen stress symptoms. It is also important to avoid skipping meals.
4. Get Good and Enough Sleep
Inadequate sleep of less than 8 hours daily can induce stress in an individual, or can worsen an already existing stressful condition, by making one easily agitated and causing mood swings. It also induces fatigue. If you have troubles with getting quality sleep, try turning off lights, taking a warm bath before bedtime, drinking a hot cup of choco, putting away all electronic gadgets.
5. Exercise Regularly
Regular Exercise has been proven to be effective in combatting stress by reducing the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol produced by the body in stressful situations. It also stimulates the release of certain neurotransmitters such as endorphins which are natural pain killers and help to relief tension and improve.
6. Have a Good Social Life
Have a good social support system it is said popularly that a problem shared is a problem half solved! Maintain good relationships with your friends and family. Make time to relax and unwind with them. Among friends and family you can share your struggles and difficulties and get encouragement. This reduces anxiety, depression and tension which are associated with stress.