Good mental health helps you live and feel your best. But too much stress can put your emotional well-being at risk by draining your energy and joy. Consider taking everyday steps like these to reduce and manage your stress.
Calm your mind. You might try closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths while focusing only on the present moment. Or how about progressive muscle relaxation? It involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups for 10 seconds at a time.
Make time each day for things you enjoy. Maybe that's a hobby or a leisure activity like reading a book.
Get enough shut-eye. Too little sleep can increase your stress.
Engage your senses. Did you know that using your senses of sight, smell, touch, hearing or taste can soothe stress? You might:
• Listen to your favorite song.
• Savor a piece of chocolate.
• Touch the leaves of a plant.
• Take a nature walk and feel a gentle breeze on your skin.
Manage workplace stress. Most jobs are stressful sometimes. Along with setting healthy work-life boundaries, some things that may help reduce work stress include:
Prioritize your tasks. What must be completed today? What can wait?
Check in with your supervisor or co-workers. Asking for help isn't complaining. In fact, it can make you more productive.
Tackle big projects in small steps. Often, this makes work more manageable.
Take a play break—you're never too old. Play with a pet, share a laugh with a co-worker or toss a football around with a friend. The endorphins your body makes during these upbeat moments can help relieve stress.
Talk to someone you trust about your stress. They may not have the answers, but it helps to be heard.
Check in with your doctor. If your stress feels overwhelming, talk to your doctor. They can offer more advice to help you manage stress.
Sources: American Heart Association; American Psychological Association; HelpGuide