Stress is something that nearly every person will experience in their life. For the most part, it’s completely normal and can even be expected in certain situations, like during exam season or when personal relationships begin to breakdown. In many cases, stress cannot be avoided, and that’s why it impacts so many people.
According to research, 75% of Americans experience stress in any given month. Lots of people can cope and it doesn’t impact them too much, but for 77% of those with stress, it affects their physical wellbeing, with 73% facing mental health struggles as a result.
If you’re feeling moderately stressed or want to prevent feelings of stress, here are some methods that could work for you. Be reminded that these are not guaranteed fixes, but they could reduce your levels of stress and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
1. Get a grip on your finances
The leading cause of stress in America is money, with work coming in second. Following the worldwide financial crash in 2008, many people lost their incomes and countless communities were plunged into austerity measures, leaving many living paycheck to paycheck. After the 2020 recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, millions more found themselves in financial difficulty.
Financial issues are often unpredictable and severe, and it’s easy to lose track of where you are money-wise. Many people find budgeting to be a useful tool because you can often track when things are getting bad. There are lots of tools online you can use to figure out your finances, including spreadsheet trackers and a zakat calculator. Take full advantage of these resources and get into the habit of budgeting if money is a concern for you.
2. Exercise on a regular basis
Exercise has been proven to have many health benefits, including improving physical and mental health, as well as reducing stress levels. This is because when your exercise your brain releases endorphins, and these are responsible for making you feel good. Endorphins also act as a natural painkiller, so if you’re experiencing pain or inflammation, or even a hangover, hitting the gym or doing a 30-minute workout can help greatly.
3. Establish a proper sleep routine
Sleep is incredibly important to your health for a number of reasons, with stress being at the top of the list. Stress triggers your automatic nervous system to produce the fight or flight hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. When you’re feeling constantly stressed, the higher levels of adrenaline can keep you up at night, preventing you from sleeping or causing you to wake up sporadically. This can lead to insomnia, and when you don’t get enough sleep you’ll feel more stressed as a result, so it’s a vicious cycle.
Better your chances of reducing stress by implementing a proper sleep routine. Switch screens off an our before you want to sleep, and keep your room cool and dark. If you’re really struggling, speak to a doctor.
4. Make time for yourself
Today’s society makes people feel like they need to constantly be on the go or they’re lazy. With working five days a week, most people only get two days off, and those two days are often spent seeing other people. Too often, people don’t take time for themselves. Constantly going can have a profoundly negative impact on your health, making it all the more important to take time for yourself. Whether you have a long bath, a duvet day, or take one day a week to go on a date by yourself, making time for yourself can help you unwind and reduce stress levels.
Summary
These are just some of the ways you can reduce stress levels. Do you have any tips of your own to share?