10 Ways to beat stress
10 Ways to beat stress
- Start by being kind to yourself. Recognise that the voice is your head is very powerful so be sure to speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend. If you feel the voice in your head is mean you need to take control of this, catch it every time and try saying something different to yourself, slowly overtime this mean voice habit will disappear and be replaced by self-love and self-nurturing
- Plan treats: Be sure to know what activities make you happy and try to plan these into your life. g. put a walk on the beach in your diary a couple of times a week. You need to prioritise these activities and not wait for spare time.
- Turn off your phone! Your phone should be your convenience. You do not need it at all times, turn if off when you exercise, play with the kids, eat meals, between 7pm and 7am etc. Also think about turning off your notifications permanently and just make set times throughout the day to check your emails etc.
- Get outside: nature heals so start spending as much time outside as possible (even if it is only in the backyard) but getting to the bush or ocean is even better. Time to time to slow down and look at the beauty of nature.
- Slow your breath, every hour take 5 slow, deep breaths in and out through your nose.
- Let go of your worries especially if there is nothing that can be done, or you are worrying about something that has already happened. Write your worries down on a piece of paper than tear it up and throw it away.
- Sleep more: ensure you have a bedtime routine where you go to bed and get up at the same time everyday (even on the weekends) and you are getting enough hours.
- Eat clean and avoid foods that will increase anxiety levels. Caffeine, chocolate and sugar are perfect examples of foods that directly cause the stress hormone cortisol to be produced. Calming foods include water, herbal teas, fruit and vegetables.
- Exercise: try to fit a brisk walk into your day (even better if it is outside in nature)
- Meditate: download a mediation app and get started today. There is now so much research showing just how effective meditation is
If your stress and anxiety doesn’t improve with the tips, see your GP
