Fitness Guide - Beat Stress with 5 Time-tested Techniques

5 Techniques to Beat Stress

Stress might seem to be a part and parcel of your life. The responsibilities seem never-ending, monthly bills keep shooting, work pressure increases every now and then, and work-life balance takes a toll. However, you can have much better control of your life than you realize. The foundation of stress management lies in the realization that you are the controller of your life.

The first step to remove stress from your mind is to identify the source of stress. You can write down all stressful activities of your life in a notepad. You can keep worrying about deadlines, children’s education, finance and so on. Just note down everything as soon as you encounter them. This can help you realize the tension areas of your life. Also note down the patterns and common themes that caused the stress. Some common questions which can be posed to yourself can be which events triggered stress, how you reacted to it, your emotional and physical response and what made you feel better?

Analyze your method of handling stress in the current situation and assess critically if they are unhealthy or unproductive? Some habits like zooming in a car, throwing things away, smoking, drinking or procrastinating might be the unhealthiest ways to deal with stress. If you realize that your methods of handling stress are not contributing to your mental and physical happiness, then it’s time to explore ways to handle stress in a better manner and promote self-love and mental peace.

Technique # 1 – Avoid needless tension

All stressful events cannot be avoided, but some situations should be handled and addressed properly to reduce the number of stress areas in your life. Some common ways of avoiding needless tension in life are:

·        Learn to say no to certain requests. Some situations in life require strict responses and not succumb to emotional blackmail of other people. Know your limits and remain within them.

·        Avoid people who feel might create stress on you.

·        Take stock of the situation and look for alternative and easier methods of doing the same things. If going shopping on a daily basis seems tiring and stressful, look for good avenues to shop online.

·        Analyze your daily work schedule and prioritize tasks according to essential and must-do.

Technique #2- Change the situation

Some stress related situations cannot be altered. In such cases, it is better to change the situation itself. Check what you can change so that such problems do not recur. This can involve changing your communication and responses on one hand and changing your own expectation and mood on the other hand.

Technique # 3- Accept things which cannot modify

Some sources of tension and anxiety cannot be avoided or changed. Death of loved ones, job loss or serious illness cannot be prevented. Hence, it is better to accept them as they are and develop a positive attitude in life.  It might seem difficult at the outset, but it is much better than dwelling in the same feeling over a long run. Some options can be:

·        Change the mode of reaction to circumstances which you cannot avoid. This has to be a conscious effort.

·        When you face challenges in life, look at them as stepping stones to future success.

·        Share your feelings with someone close to you so that you can feel better.

·        Learn to forgive people for their mistakes and not keep unpleasant incidents in mind.

Technique # 4- Set aside exclusive time for fun and relaxation

The most beneficial way to reduce anxiety is nurture yourself apart from a take-charge tactic and a positive attitude. If you make time for fun and relaxation on a regular basis, the life will be full of happy moments. You can even manage stressful situations in a better manner.

·        Set some specific time for relaxation. You can go for a long walk during this time or listen to melodious music or watch a comedy.

·        Connect with other friends who have a positive approach to life. A good support system can help you deal with stressful moments in life in a better manner.

·        Do activities which you enjoy everyday like gardening, playing games, music or a long drive.

·        Maintain your sense of humor. Laugh at all possible situations and keep smiling. It can be a great stress buster.

Technique # 5 – Embrace a healthy lifestyle

You can increase your stress resistance levels by taking steps to maintain a healthy physical body and fitness levels.

·        Set a regular schedule for exercises. Walk for at least 30 minutes a day for good health. Nothing can beat aerobic exercises to beat stress and tension.

·        Eat healthy diet. Start with a well-nourished breakfast, mid-morning fruit snacks, nutritious lunch, salad or sprouts in the evening and light dinner. This well planned and balanced diet can keep the energy levels high and maintain the mind free of anxiety. Avoid caffeine and sugar in your diet.

·        Avoid alcohol and cigarettes: They can provide temporary relief from stress but harm your body in the long run. Avoid them to lead a happy and peaceful life.

·        Adequate sleep for eight hours a day can keep the mind relieved of any stress, tension, anxiety or depression.