Really Simple Ways to Keep Your Stress Levels Low
By Genevieve Cunningham
There's not a person in America who lives without stress. Even kids seem to have stress these days. Something about our modern lifestyles just seems to invite stress in. In small amounts, stress is OK. In fact, it can even be a good thing -- something that keeps us motivated and moving forward. But when stress gets overwhelming, it can do real damage to our health. So how do we keep our stress low and our health in check? To manage your stress and health at the same time, take a look at these simple tips.
Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep changes everything. If you're not getting enough sleep, your stress is going to feel so much worse. But if you turn your sleep habits around and start getting adequate amounts (and quality!) of sleep, your body and mind are going to be able to manage the stress better. And with more sleep and less stress, your health will improve. You may have fewer headaches, less pain, and a stronger immune system. If you're feeling overly stressed, beginning with better sleep is the way to go.
Downsize
Sometimes we create our own stress. We spend more money than we have and commit ourselves to time restraints that aren't possible. If this is you, maybe it's time to downsize. If you can do with a smaller car, do it. If you can live in a smaller house, do it. If you can cut back on overtime hours at work, go for it. The less obligations you have, the more freedom you'll have, and the lower and lower that stress will go.
Keep Your Friends
Friends make everything better. If you're stressed, consider making regular plans with your friends. Have a movie night. Go out for coffee. Meet for a walk at the park. It's the close contact with friends -- the face-to-face moments -- that can really lower stress and make you feel less alone. If you don't have a good friend group, get out and make some friends. And if you do, spend lots of time with them for your own health.
Stress can be really bad for us. It can bring us down and ruin our mental and physical health. But if we're aware, and if we make good choices, we can lower our chances of excessive stress taking over. Use these tips to get started, and move toward less stress and better health today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mint Hill, N.C.