Stress. We've all dealt with it, some better than others. But when it comes to Mondays, it seems like this unfortunate emotion is more visible than on other days.
So instead of avoiding it or letting it build up, let's take a look at five ways to deal with the terrible tension. The better we are at addressing our stressors and learning how we can reduce their effects, the healthier we become.
1. Avoid the snooze button
It has been determined establishing a proper sleep schedule can help you become less tired throughout the day. With less grogginess comes more productivity and, in turn, a reduction of stress.
And while heading to bed early seems simple enough, there are definitely tips and tricks that can help you settle your mind after a long day. Learn to unplug from technology up to 30 minutes prior to crawling underneath the covers. When it comes to rising, while it may be challenging, aim to get out of bed when your alarm goes off.
Avoiding multiple taps of the snooze button will give your body more time to adjust to being awake instead of simply getting a few more minutes of shut eye that may just make you more tired.
2. Breathe
While sitting at your desk, attending meetings, or commuting home, practice taking deep breaths throughout your day. Most of us take short, shallow inhales due to stress or an overall lack of body awareness. So try it out. Right now, take a 3-5 second inhale, hold at the top and slowly exhale for 3-5 seconds.
We all lead busy lives filled with an overwhelming about of multitasking. And while it may be impossible to incorporate a much needed yoga class into your week, taking deep breaths is something your can do anywhere, anytime.
3. Sweat it out
Starting this week, right now, aim to get in at least 3 workouts. Exercise releases endorphins and helps initiate an all-natural stress relief within the body.
When you stop thinking of fitness as something you 'must do' and instead find an activity that you enjoy doing, you'll be more likely to continue. So go try a free fitness class and start working out your stress. Before you know it, you'll be looking forward to your weekly sweat sessions and be holding on to less tension. It's a win win!
4. Eat balanced meals
I love a good s'mores as much as the next person, but when it comes to reducing stress and feeling your best, you must fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods.
Aim to incorporate a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. The cleaner and less processed you eat, the more energy you'll have to get to the gym and release stress in a healthy way.
5. Unplug
This may be the most difficult tip to adhere to, but if you're feeling stressed daily, it's necessary.
Between our smart phones and constantly evolving technology, it can be hard to remove yourself. But, while this is all very valuable for our society, it's just as important for you to know when to turn it off and focus on your health.
Unplugging can be as minimal as silencing your phone 30 minutes before bed and as grandiose as not opening your laptop all weekend. Regardless of which level you (and your job) choose to do, stick with it. You'll begin to notice your shoulders relax and an essence of calm as you power down elements of your life.
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