10 Tips to solve stress problems

Does stress cause your mood to spiral downward? Try not to let it discourage you. Instead, consider taking some action to get it under control before the stress takes control of you. Here are some easy and appropriate ways to manage stress and have fun at the same time.

1) Lean on other people.

Animal and human studies indicate that social contact helps decrease the body’s physical response to stress. It can even improve immunity. Create a group of people who you can trust. Share your concerns with a friend and ask for helpful advice. Try to avoid people who always need something without giving anything in return or people who are usually in a bad mood or depressed.

2) Clean your world.

Stop storing old magazines and newspapers you don’t need. Cleaning up your environment will help prevent the frustration of not being able to find what you need. It will also give you the security of knowing that everything is in its place.

3) Eliminate the last-minute rush.

Leave the house early to get to your appointments and set up a direct payment system to pay your bills. Try to purchase your supplies a week in advance. Also, buy that birthday or anniversary gift you liked for your best friend ahead of time. All these clever plans can save you a lot of headaches.

4) Keep a journal.

Recording what stresses and pleases you helps you to recognize patterns and act appropriately. Writing is a way to relax and put events and long-term plans into perspective.

5) Organize yourself.

Designate a place for bills, letters, and papers. Store the items you use the most in an accessible site. Take five minutes to tidy up your office or living room at the end of the day. Have a long-term calendar and a short-term to-do list. Check off what you finish: it serves as a stimulus.

6) Get done some massages.

Massage relaxes tense muscles and decreases the level of stress hormones in the bloodstream. Besides, it stimulates the release of serotonin that is a brain chemical associated with relaxation and a sense of well-being. Research indicates that massage lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Human contact is also helpful.

7) Cut your to-do list in half.

Most of us try to do too much. After writing your list, decide what is most important in the long run and cut it in half. If you can’t discard tasks, get someone else to do them. For example: Hire a teenage neighbor to mow the lawn or order prepared food.

8) Make time for yourself.

Give more priority to your time to relax and renew. Try to include it in your daily plan at least every third day. If you have to interrupt an activity to enjoy a hobby or a pleasure bath, do it. Take time to read or listen to your favorite music.

9) Avoid the crowds.

Try to travel during off-peak hours; eat fifteen minutes earlier than others; go out for fun on Thursday rather than Saturday; buy groceries during the week or do it online; use catalogs to purchase clothes or other items.

10) Laugh a little bit.

Laughing sends chemicals called endorphins to the brain. These soothe pain and improve your sense of well-being. Laughter also stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles; improves your resistance to infection. If you laugh for 20 seconds, the body receives the same amount of beneficial oxygen (good for stress relief) as with 3 minutes of cardio exercise. It is also almost impossible to remain tense while laughing. Look for cartoons, TV shows, writers, and comedians that make you laugh. Share jokes on social media with friends.

This content is published for informational purposes only and cannot replace the work of a professional. We recommend that you consult with your trusted specialized professional.