Be Positive
Whether in your personal life or work environment, positive people outperform those with a negative mindset. They tend to find the good in any situation, which gives them the upper hand in both their stress levels and work life. When you’re positive, you also make better decisions under pressure! A positive disposition is proven to increase resilience when facing challenges and attracts the right kind of people into your life.
Budget
There are very few things more stressful than not having a good hold on your financial situation. It’s even more irritating when more than one person is dipping into the pot. Having a budget and creating rules and boundaries concerning your finances gives you peace of mind in the long run. If you tell your money what you’re going to do with it, your money doesn’t have the opportunity to tell you what it’s going to do with itself.
Organize
Aha! And this is where I come in. Organization is a MUST for a stress free environment. Your mind looks about the same as the space you occupy. If you’ve got papers stacked to the ceiling, piles of messy clothes and a list of chores that need to be completed, you’re adding to your stress levels. According to the Daily Burn, PhD and CEO of Synergy and Author of Stressoholic and The SHARP Solution says, “The brain is constantly scanning the environment. It’s looking for cues that signal a need for an energy investment, such as taking care of work or home obligations. When we have chaotic surroundings or a fragmented mindset, the brain can perceive this as a sign that there is more demand for energy than our current capacity, which triggers the stress response.” Organize your space, find a daily routine to keep it organized and this will greatly minimize the stress in your life.
Pray
When situations are out of our control, we tend to exhibit a level of stress far beyond what any of us should have to deal with. There is only so much we can do in any given situation. At some point, which should honestly be from the beginning, give your worries to God. His plans are greater than anything we may have I mind. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Get Sleep
This one is huge. In my book, sleep is almost as essential as breathing. There have been many days where a lack of sleep has completely thrown me off course and into a fog of depression and anxiety. Melatonin, healthy sleep practices (more info on that here), and even a good ole Tylenol PM can make a world of difference when you’ve gone a few days without a good night’s sleep.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Though I am the worst at eating healthy foods consistently, I know how important it is to managing stress levels. Imagine if we filled our gas tanks with water. How far do you think the car would go? Not even a block, right? When we feed our bodies, think of it as fuel. Of course, we’re meant to enjoy food (or else why did God create taste buds?), but if we’re consuming nothing but junk, our bodies will perform at the same measure. Eat plenty of greens and essential, nutrient rich foods and you will feel mentally and physically BETTER.
Exercise
Simple fact: exercise produces endorphins. Endorphins are our body’s natural ‘feel good’ drug. Studies have shown that getting in motion is very effective at “reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function.” Whether it’s taking a walk around your building on breaks, hitting the gym or creating workout routines, exercise is vital to our mental health.
Do Something You Enjoy
Okay, so I know this blog has sounded like somewhat of a rule book, but I think you’ll like this one. DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Whether that’s hiking or spending time with your family, make it a habit to create a stopping point from everyday life and thoroughly enjoy an activity. Stress is sometimes your body’s way of telling you that you’re tired and overworked. Plain and simple, it’s time to take a break.
Deep Breathing
Wooosah. When my husband gets stressed or seemed frazzled, I say “Okay, babe, take three deep breaths.” It sounds silly, but it’s one of the quickest (and easiest) ways to calm down and relax at any given moment. Responses to deep breathing include: decreased metabolism, slower heartbeat, relaxed muscles, slower breathing, decreased blood pressure, and increased levels of nitric oxide.
Seek Support
Last, but certainly not least, reach out. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with a friend, family member or professional counselor to unload life’s stressers. Talking something through can help you see different perspectives and maybe even eliminate whatever is bothering you, altogether. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. Les Brown says “Ask for help not because you’re weak, but because you want to remain strong.”
