Seven ways to relieve stress

With the uncertainty we’re facing due to Covid-19, it’s not uncommon to feel your stress levels rise. We’re cooped up indoors unable to live our lives like we used to. Add to that financial woes, trying to find a work-life balance with working from home and taking care of our families, and if you’re not careful you can begin to suffer from stress-related complications like poor sleep, high blood pressure, etc.

When it comes to relieving stress, you don’t need to look too far. Activities that leave you feeling cheerful, less stressed and motivated are the best ways to begin. Below are a few practices that can help you relieve stress.

1. Exercise

Exercising contributes to both your physical and mental well-being. It can help you reach your fitness and body goals and reduce your stress levels. 

When you exercise, your body reduces stress hormones like cortisol and increases mood-enhancing hormones like endorphins. Exercising also helps you sleep better leaving you feeling more rested and better able to face the day. 

Choose exercise routines that you enjoy be they high-impact exercises or more calming yoga. For the best results, ensure that you exercise regularly.

2. Write them down

One practise that  I have found makes me less stressed is writing down whatever it is that I’m worrying about. Sometimes I write them down in point form and other times I go as far as to write down possible solutions and when these issues need to be resolved. This helps me to put things into perspective forcing me to only pay attention to those things that I have power over.

I also write down a daily to do list which helps me stay focused on what I need to do rather than moving from one task to another and finishing none. Did I mention how satisfying it is to cross off completed tasks?

3. Laugh

Studies have found that a good dose of laughter can leave you feeling less stressed. Laughter also helps relax your muscles making activities like sleeping better. According to Healthline, laughter can also help improve your mood and immune system.

So the next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, put on a funny show and let it tickle the stress away.

4. Avoid procrastinating

One of the most common causes of stress is a never-ending to-do list. This often leaves you rushing to meet deadlines.

Beat the procrastinating bug by making a to-do list everyday. Make urgent tasks your top priority. Note down deadlines for each task and begin working on them little by little to avoid having a huge task the night before the deadline. 

5. Get physical

Positive physical contact like cuddles, hugs, kissing and even sex have been known to help reduce stress since they help reduce cortisol and increase oxytocin. So get hugging!

6. Chew gum

A study found that chewing gum can help lower stress levels and give you a stronger sense of wellbeing.

When you feel the stress coming on, reach for some gum, sugar-free to protect your teeth, and chew the stress away.

7. Spend time with loved ones

Friends and family are always a safe bet when it comes to getting support in times of stress. They allow you to vent, can help you find solutions and can help to remind you how strong and capable you are to handle any challenges the world throws at you.