In this blog post, we’ll be discussing five activities that reduce stress levels.
The goal in life, for most people, is to be content. To find something that makes them happy and to sustain the feeling for as long as possible.
Unfortunately, factors like stress can make this task more difficult and if left to fester, it could potentially hold drastic implications for your overall health.
One thing we can do is take a more proactive approach to managing our emotions. So, here are five activities you can do at this moment to reduce your stress levels.
What is Stress?
Stress is what it means to be physically, emotionally, or mentally strained due to a difficult or demanding situation.
It is your body’s natural reaction to circumstances that require its attention. In short bursts, such as when facing potential dangers and challenges, stress is beneficial.
However, the response is only meant to be temporary, so when you endure periods of long-term stress it can severely impact your physical and mental health.
What Are the Effects of Stress?
The hormones released under stress cause your pulse to race, your muscles to tense, and your brain to be more alert.
Again, this is good news for short-term or acute stress. The body is performing the job it was designed to do, improving your chances of survival.
But during long-term or chronic stress, the body retains its sense of alertness even when you’re not in danger. This over time can put you at risk for various health-related conditions such as:
Diabetes
Depression
Heart disease
Hypertension
Obesity
Menstrual problems
Skin conditions (i.e., acne, eczema, etc…)
What Are the Symptoms of Stress?
Anything can bring about stress and it affects us all differently.
The symptoms that can spring from having chronic stress range from physical to emotional and may go unnoticed or be misdiagnosed as something else.
Here is a list of signs that you may be experiencing from stress:
Diarrhea or constipation
Forgetfulness
Frequent aches and pains
Headaches
Lack of concentration or low energy
Sexual issues
Stiffness in the jaw or neck
Substance abuse
Tiredness
Upset stomach
Weight management issues
Activities that Reduce Stress
While the activities below help reduce stress, if you are feeling overwhelmed or are in fear for your health, consider speaking to a medical professional.
With that said, here are five activities to help you reduce stress naturally.
Reduce Stress Levels with Exercise
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and I’m not just saying that because I’m a personal trainer.
Getting physically active may impact certain areas of your brain that are responsible for controlling stress and anxiety.
This can help boost your mood while decreasing negative emotions such as depression and sadness.
Plus, it doesn’t really matter what type of exercise you perform. You can still reap the benefits by keeping your body moving.
Reduce Stress Levels with Nature
Humans have an innate desire to be near nature. We want to be affiliated with plants and other animals.
It may be because nature has been shown to help reduce stress, anger, and depression, as well as improve our psychological health.
And while you can walk along a nature trail, there may be another way you can interact with the environment.
It’s called Earthing or Grounding if you prefer.
It’s the act of reconnecting the body with the earth around you and though, it may sound a little hippy-dippy, grounding is an actual practice.
According to proponents, our earth is constantly releasing unlimited amounts of energy. This is due to the motion of subatomic particles known as free electrons.
If you can touch the earth (that is, make skin-to-skin contact) and maintain it for a period of time, you may revitalize the body and enhance your mood.
Reduce Stress Levels with Breath
Breathing is a useful tool for regulating our emotions. When we feel stressed, our breathing patterns change.
However, by breathing from our diaphragm, we can increase the oxygen to our organs, including the brain.
This action can stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) or relaxation center, helping relieve stress and anxiety. It only takes around thirty minutes a day to achieve.
Reduce Stress Levels with Meditation
Meditation is all about finding a tranquil state by quieting the mind.
This is a great way to reduce stress since science has shown it to be an effective method for inducing relaxation.
Plus, it can be done nearly anywhere and at any time.
Many people practice some form of meditation every day and even several times a day.
If you’ve been thinking about incorporating meditation into your daily routine click here to find a mini guide to help you get started.
Reduce Stress Levels with Music
Music is often utilized during activities to set the tone or mood. It is largely the reason your favorite shows or movies use a soundtrack.
But, we do it, too!
Think about your workout, reading, or cooking playlist you use to get pumped for the task.
Music has a way of affecting your state of being.
One genre of music you can try the next time you feel flustered or irritated is classical or baroque music.
These tunes are very harmonic and can promote relaxation in as little as 30 minutes.
Try listening to classical music in 432 hertz or 528 hertz.
The 432hz is thought to provide clarity, alleviate emotional blockages, and synchronize the brain’s left and right hemispheres just to name a few benefits.
The 528hz, on the other hand, is said to provide a feeling of repose, elevated energy, and wholeness.
You could also listen to the vibrational frequencies without the music if it suits you better.
Which Method Works Best?
All the activities mentioned above are thought to reduce stress so one isn’t necessarily better.
But, if you’re unfamiliar with a specific method (like meditation), try a simpler activity.
Listening to music or spending time in nature may be just the trick your therapist ordered.
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