Let’s face it. Stress is just a part of life, and no one is immune to it. But, while you can’t always control what happens in your life, you can manage your stress response. And it’s important to do so because chronic stress can impact your health and well-being.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out between a busy life of raising a family, working, and other commitments you likely have. That being said, there are many effective ways to manage stress and feel calmer.
Here are some ways to find your Zen even in the chaos of life.
1. Work it out.
Many people opt to exercise and work out to help manage their stress levels. Working out is an excellent way to relax your mind and body. Take a brisk walk, jog, hike on a nature trail, go for a swim, dance, or do something else.
Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you enjoy doing. When it comes to relieving stress, vigorous exercise will get the job done faster. But, if you’re a Zen kind of person, yoga might help too. The idea is to work out or exercise regularly and make it a habit.
2. Take a breather.
Deep breathing exercises can be done just about anywhere you are and under most circumstances. When you’re feeling stressed, try pausing what you’re doing and take a few deep, slow breaths. You should feel a bit calmer after doing so.
If you have a few minutes to set aside each day, commit to a breathing ritual by laying down or sitting in a comfortable position with your feet on the floor. Close your eyes and imagine that you’re somewhere peaceful, such as floating in the ocean or near a meadow of flowers. Slowly breathe in and out and feel the stress drain from your body.
3. Do something you enjoy.
Get back to doing some of the hobbies you used to enjoy. We often get so caught up in mundane everyday tasks that we forget the things that bring us joy and make us feel good.
What are some hobbies that you enjoy but haven’t done in a while? Is it gardening, playing golf, painting, taking a road trip, listening to your favorite music, reading, or going to the movies? Whatever it is, make time for yourself and enjoy life again.
4. Get a massage.
When we feel stressed, our muscles get tense. Getting a professional massage or having a loved one massage your muscles can help you find relief and loosen up. You can also do some stretching exercises or take a warm bath or shower to help drain the tension away from your body.
5. Stop trying to do it all.
We live in such a fast-paced world that sometimes we forget to slow down and enjoy the journey. Understand that it’s okay that you can’t do it all because the truth is, no one can. Relinquish some control and go easy on yourself.
6. Live and laugh.
Sometimes we take life too seriously, and we just forget to be in the moment. We lose our way, and we lose our sense of humor. But it’s important to laugh when we can and feel joy. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter is one of the best forms of stress relief, with many good benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. A good belly laugh helps to promote a relaxed feeling and soothe tension. Apparently, laughter really is the best medicine.
7. Try CBD.
Studies have shown that CBD can help relieve stress and anxiety. And it can do so in a non-addictive and safer way than prescription medications. The key is to find the right dose for you. In any case, if you’re on any prescription medications, it’s a good idea to talk it over with a health professional before taking CBD for stress.
