Everyone deals with stress sometimes in their life, and it’s not always a destructive thing. In many ways, stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to make your life miserable. You need to pay attention to your stress levels so that it doesn’t lead to health problems. Stress can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, which can cause physical damage over time. Take the time out of your busy life to help deal with stress in natural and beneficial ways. Here are three ideas to help you get started making your life free of harmful stress levels.
Exercise
First, try adding more exercise to your daily schedule. Exercise has been proven to change your hormonal levels and increase levels of serotonin. For stress relief, consider exercise like yoga that uses both your body and mind. There are special moves that can help calm your anxiety, so ask your local yoga teacher for suggestions. If yoga is not interesting to you, consider taking up running. It has been proven to reduce stress and lower anxiety levels over time.
Relaxation
Next, try adding sensory elements to help your body cope with stress. Try aromatherapy by using essential oils in a diffuser. Lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety levels in both adults and children. You may want to get a professional massage or at least try a home based massage. Even the color of your room can change your stress levels, with blues and greens proven to soothe people’s minds.
Meditation
Finally, consider meditation to deal with the stress of life on a more permanent, thorough basis. You may want to look into sanskrit mantras like those published by Saraswati Publications, LLC to help you with your meditation practice. People who meditate regularly will see improvements in all areas of life, both physical and mental. Although it can be difficult to get started, with regular practice everyone will see results. Meditating can improve practically all areas of your life, including lowering stress levels.
At some point, you do have to accept that stress will crop up in your life. By having these tools available, you can minimize the effects of these common hiccups. And if exercise, sensory input, and mediation don’t do the trick, maybe you should visit your local pet shelter. Studies show that pets can lower stress as well!