The truth is that stress can be avoided, even though it seems impossible sometimes with everything that life throws at us on a daily basis.
At the same time, it is worth mentioning that some stress is beneficial to a certain extent, promoting resilience while enhancing drive and productivity.
Of course, the continual bombardment of depressing news and a long, seemingly never-ending to-do list may also lead to high levels of chronic stress, which is bad for your health.
The good news is that you might be able to restore some tranquility to your life by following 5 easy tips.
And the even better news is that you can implement them really easily no matter how busy your schedule is since they only require a minimum of 5 minutes from you!
- Put on a relaxing tune.
The Division of Extramural Research Director at the National Institutes of Health, Emmeline Edwards, makes it very clear that music therapy is a miracle cure.
Not to mention that it allows you to relax no matter where you are.
All you really need is your phone and a pair of earbuds and you’ll instantly feel better about life!
“The auditory cortex is linked to other areas of the brain that are connected to the reward system, motor systems, the centers for motivation and also emotion regulation,” the expert explains.
In reality, studies have shown that listening to music can benefit those who suffer from stress-related diseases, anxiety and even moderate depression.
- Go for a walk.
Internal medicine physician, Dr. Monique Tello mentions that, sometimes, all you need in order to decrease your stress levels in minutes is some fresh air.
Tello shared via TODAY that “If somebody is feeling really stressed and they have the chance to change their environment, to get some fresh air, see nature — water, trees — they should. Exercise, take a brisk walk.”
According to studies, this technique is excellent for people who find it difficult to focus or those who feel rather restless.
- Get a meditation app
You can relax for the required 5 minutes by using one of the many meditation apps available.
Numerous guided meditation options are available on well-known apps such as Headspace and Insight Timer, which can assist you in coping with any negative emotion you may be experiencing, including stress.
According to research, meditation can lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression as well.
Try to establish a meditation routine when you are not feeling stressed, advises psychology professor Nick Allen.
He claims that the more preparation you do in advance, whether alone or with a pro, the better outcomes you’ll see when you are actually under pressure.
- Drink some tea
Put your devices aside and take the time to really enjoy a hot cup of tea, allowing yourself to just focus on the taste, aroma and hot temperature and letting it warm up and relax your body.
You may tune out negative thoughts with the aid of this mindfulness exercise and concentrate on the peaceful feeling that it brings you.
While you cannot necessarily move away from stress altogether, you may use a cup of tea to calm down for a while.
Not to mention that this can be a fantastic strategy to relieve stress even at work.
- Spend less time on your phone
Co-author of “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” Kristine Carlson, mentions that checking your notifications constantly can be really overwhelming.
“We are so tied to our technology. Email, text message, checking your Instagram — all of that, it’s very addictive.”
That being said, her advice is to “really unplug from your phone or email” and take a so-called “golden pause.”
By turning off your alerts, you free up your mind so that you can pay attention to how you are truly feeling. Carlson advises practicing calm breathing, shutting your eyes, and directing your thoughts toward something for which you are thankful.
