4 Easy ways to reduce stress

Hands up if you feel stressed? Yep, me too? Modern life is fast and furious. We are over-committed, over-scheduled and over-connected. While not all stress is bad, if left unchecked it can have a major impact on our lives, affecting our physical health, personal relationships and our mental wellbeing. Fortunately, in many cases, examining the triggers and approaching the condition from the right mindset can help to manage stress. Next time you feel your stress levels rising, try these effective ways to help restore calmness, allowing you to gain a sense of control over your situation.

1. Eat well and exercise

We’ve all heard the well-worn advice that a balanced diet and regular exercise is the secret to a sense of wellbeing. And it’s critical when combating stress. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals will give you the energy you need to get through the challenges of the day, and regular exercise will give you more energy, releasing endorphins and improving your mood. For those feeling stressed regularly, one of the first things to look at is your current diet and exercise regime. I run several times a week and it helps me release frustration and stress. It is an instant mood booster! I also do yoga once a week, which helps balance and centre me. And it improves sleep, too.

2. De-clutter your home

Cluttered homes mean cluttered minds, and all those extra items could be contributing to a sense of chaos in your life. Every room in my house could do with a major de-clutter. Rethinking the organisation of your home can help to gain a sense of control, helping you to feel less overwhelmed by all the things you have accumulated. It can be a good idea to donate items you no longer use or need, but for those with items that are difficult to part with, renting extra space through a company like Fort Knox Storage. Fort Knox Storage will provide a dedicated space for those additional items. Storage companies can also often provide you with the packing supplies you need. Click here to learn more.

3. Listen to music

Music is known to soothe the soul, helping to relax and decompress. There have been many studies done showing how listening to music can help relieve situational stress, so the next time you’re feeling frustrated, whether on the roads, or at work, plug in some of your favourite (slower) tunes and feel some of the stress melt away. After all, why do you think music is so often recommended in the dentist’s chair? As much as I love fast-paced music when I am exercising, I enjoy classical/instrumental music when I am working.

4. Sleep, Self-care and Systems

Sleep is as essential to good health as oxygen. Get enough sleep so you can feel well rested. Also make an effort to wake up earlier. Not having to rush in the morning will set the tone for a less stressful day. Make a checklist. When upcoming tasks and other things you need to do, are planned and checked off once completed, you’ll feel satisfaction and control, helping to reduce stress from feeling overwhelmed. Try to stay one step ahead with day-to-day life too. Little things like ironing your clothes and packing your lunch the night before can make a huge difference. Understanding what makes you feel stressed in the first instance will also go a long way to help you identify situations that cause stress, and what sort of strategies can help combat it. As mothers, we often look to ourselves last but it’s essential we find time for self-care and we remember to fit our own oxygen masks.

What do you do to alleviate stress? What hasn’t worked so well for you in the past? Share your tips by leaving a comment below.

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