6 Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress in Your Life

Life in the 21st century is plagued by stressors and our minds are working at a hundred miles an hour, but we never seem to catch a break. Life carries on and so do we. But, does it really have to be that way? Most definitely not. So, take a moment to breathe, because you deserve it. 

We’ve compiled six simple techniques to reduce stress that you can include in your day-to-day life. They’ll help you pack up all the stress in one bag and throw it in the trash.

1. Exercise Your Mind and Body

Exercising on the regular helps your body produce endorphins which keep your mood in check. It’s the stuff our body needs to be happy. Exercising also helps reduce stress hormones – like cortisol – in the long run. You’ll also sleep better and feel better which can boost your confidence. So many benefits, right? Physical exercise is the most effective way to handle stress.

Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs exercise to stay healthy. There are lots of different ways you can do this; play computer games, PlayStation, or do a Crossword or Sudoku puzzle. It’ll help take your mind off stressors. Remember, your mind is the most powerful tool you have, so keeping it well-oiled is a must.

2. Spend Time with Loved Ones

Just knowing that someone has your back can help reduce stress levels. Spend more quality time with family, friends, partners, and even pets. You’ll notice a difference right away. Keeping a healthy mind involves maintaining relationships and finding new ways to broaden social horizons. So, get out there and join some classes, go for workouts with friends, or even take a coffee break with colleagues.

3. Breathe Deeply

This just takes a few minutes. Sit up straight, close your eyes, and relax your shoulders. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the breath start in your abdomen and work its way to the top of your head. Reverse the process as you exhale through your mouth. This simple stress reducing technique can help you organize your thoughts, slow your heart rate, and lower blood pressure.

4. Learn to Say No

You have the power to control a few stressors in your life. Use it! The consequences of saying ‘yes’ to everything have been the moral of many stories but there’s a fine line we often overlook. Be selective about what you take on and say no to things that will unnecessarily add to your load. This simple step can reduce stress levels dramatically. All you have to do is shake your head from left to right. Try it now. Easy, isn’t it? 

5. Manage Your Time by Writing it Down

Let’s face it, we can’t do everything even if we try. Your daily ‘To Do List’ might make you feel overwhelmed and at times you might not even know where to begin. When this happens, we end up wasting more time than we’d like. You can tackle this by writing down a list of all the things you need to do and list them in order of priority. Delegation is also a great way to tick off items from your list.

6. Laugh

It’s not as strange as it sounds. We don’t expect you to burst into laughter during a super important client meeting or job interview. Hanging out with friends who make you laugh or watching a funny TV show or movie can help reduce stress and anxiety. Laughter also helps relax your muscles which alleviates those tension spots. 

You don’t need to treat yourself to a lavish spa weekend to get away from the stress. These stress-relieving tips involve getting your mind away from stressors and help you feel more relaxed – at work and home. Finding it especially hard to reduce stress and anxiety in the winter? Check out our tips for finding joy in the winter months!

Have some more tips that help you relieve stress? Comment below and let us know. We would love to hear from you!