Stress is something that we all experience. It is a response to any demand on our physical, mental or emotional resources. In other words, it’s a response to stressors in our lives.
Stressors can be both positive and negative, but most of the time they are negative.
When we experience stress, the brain releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which activate the body’s “fight or flight” response. This activation then brings about feelings of intense anxiety and panic along with increased heart rate and blood pressure levels. The function of these hormones is to prepare us for a physically demanding situation by increasing alertness and pushing energy into the muscles needed for either fighting an enemy or running from danger.
If you’re feeling stressed then here are some ways you can reduce your stress.
Reducing stress at work
A lot of us get stressed out by work, it might be that we don’t have enough time to do everything we want to, or there might be high levels of expectation put on top of you. Some ways you can reduce stress at work include:
- Organise your time- plan out your day to know what you want to achieve
- Take breaks- it’s not healthy to stay locked at your desk (or doing work) all the time. Make sure you take regular breaks away, especially your lunch
- Set goals- make sure you have set goals in place for both the short and long term so you know what you’re working towards
- Work in a different place- sometimes it’s the environment or location that makes work stressful. See if you can work from home or a different desk, or even a different office to change things up.
Play online games
Online gaming can be a way to reduce stress as it takes your mind off from the real world and lets you focus on something else. Sites like Plays.org can help keep your mind ticking, but also provide you with lighthearted entertainment, and a bit of fun.
There are always new games being added to the site so there’s something for everyone. Personally, I’m a big fan of puzzle games or things to make my mind think.
Pamper yourself
We all need a bit of TLC so having a pamper is showing yourself that you’re worth spending time on. Pampering will mean different things to different people. It might be as simple as having a nice shower and changing your clothes. Perhaps washing your hair and putting on a hair mask is pampering for you. Or you can go all out and have a bath with all the products, put on a face mask, paint your nails, etc.
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s a great way to combat stress. Most of us don’t rush to exercise, but I’m sure you feel good after you have done it. Physical exercise can help you feel good both physically and mentally as it helps boost your endorphins which are the brain’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals.
Research has shown that people who exercise for 20 minutes three times a week have less mental illness, anxiety, and depression than those who don’t exercise at all.
Exercise can also help you sleep better which can help if you’re feeling restless or stressed during the night.
