Stress management Techniques
As COVID-19 has continued to spread globally, it is understandable as to why people feel more stressed than usual. From losing loved ones to dramatic life changes, it is completely natural to feel lost and stressed at the same time. But, it is important to know that there are ways to relieve stress and anxiety.
1. Exercise
The most important way to relieve anxiety and stress is to exercise and staying active. Even though, it may seem contradictory, but putting your body through physical stress can relieve mental illness. To get the most of the benefit, it should be part of your daily routine.
2. Meditation
Meditation has many proven health benefits and is a highly effective way to relieve stress and maintain a healthier lifestyle. With enough practice, meditation becomes a much easier habit to maintain and more of an effective one as well, as it builds resilience to stress over time. Making the effort to learn and practice meditation can transform your experience of anxiety and stress in your life.
3. Listen to music
Listening to music can have a tremendously calming effect on our minds and bodies and therefore a great resource for how to deal with stress. That’s right, music can benefit our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress hormones. Music can act as a powerful stress management tool. As music can catch our attention, it also doubles as a distraction. This means that it can be a great aid to meditation, helping to prevent your mind from wandering. Next time you are feeling stressed or anxious, put on a feel-good, relaxing playlist and see how it affects your mood.
4. Watch TV
Research shows that watching TV has the potential to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. Watching TV can help to lower your cortisol levels, AKA “the stress hormone”. High levels of cortisone are cause for concern as they are linked to a number of health issues. These include higher blood pressure and cholesterol, weight gain, a weakened immune system, and depression.
5. Play a game
It may sound cheesy but next time you are feeling stressed, play a game! Playing a game is a great way to relieve stress and distract your mind with something fun.