Too much stress and anxiety can be debilitating and truly wreak havoc on your life. It’s difficult to function and go about your day when you’re always worried and anxious.
Be glad to know there are practical ways for how you can manage your stress and anxiety on a daily basis. It’s worth giving each of these ideas a try and seeing what works for you so you can do more of that going forward. What’s most important is that you face and deal with it and don’t let it manifest into a larger issue which could then make it even more difficult for you to live your life.
Deep Breathing Exercises
One practical way to manage your stress and anxiety is to practice deep breathing exercises. This will help to slow racing thoughts and calm your body down so you can think and act accordingly. A relaxation response will be triggered when you breathe deeply, and you’ll be able to face the matter at hand in a more peaceful manner.
Use Calming Oils & Scents
Another practical way to deal with stress and anxiety is to use calming oils and scents. For instance, CBD oil is a great option when nothing else seems to be working for you, and you wish to relax. Check out the differences between cbd vs thc to help you better understand why this may be the perfect solution for you. In addition, light candles or use lotions that have lavender in them if you want to feel calmer and more in control.
Spend Time Outdoors
Sometimes all you have to do is step outside to feel instantly relaxed and at ease. Spend more time outdoors as a way to manage stress and anxiety and feel better overall. Take in the soothing sights, smells and sounds around you and simply be in the moment. Go for a walk or hike and use this time to clear your mind and connect with your inner being. The sunshine can also help to lift your mood and make you feel happier in general.
Talk about it
If you’re feeling down or worried about a certain matter then don’t be afraid to open up and talk about it with others. You don’t have to try to solve all your problems on your own and there are people out there who will assist and support you through your difficult times. All you have to do is reach out and ask for help when you need it. For instance, connect with family members or friends who you trust or go and see a professional therapist if you want additional guidance from an external source.
Exercise
Never underestimate the power of exercise when it comes to managing your stress and anxiety levels. Choose an activity, turn up your music and break a sweat if you want to get your blood pumping and give your mind a rest from thinking so much. If you don’t have time to hit the gym then at least get out for a leisurely walk or practice yoga in the comfort of your own home. Your mood will lift, you’ll have more energy and you won’t feel as anxious after getting in some daily movement.
Eat A Healthy Diet
The foods you eat can increase or decrease the amount of stress and anxiety you feel on any given day. Try to limit your caffeine, sugars and alcohol intake and focus on consuming more lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Eating a balanced diet is a great way to get your mind and body right and will provide you with the energy you need to get you through your day. In fact, there are certain foods in particular that will help to reduce your anxiety and allow you to feel more relaxed. In addition, eating healthy will aid you in getting better sleep and shedding unwanted pounds so you feel happier and more confident in your body.
Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough good sleep can definitely impact your mood and make you feel more anxious. It’s in your best interest to go to bed at a decent hour and configure your room for optimal sleep. Try getting in the habit of having a calming bedtime routine such as drinking tea or taking a warm shower instead of staring at your computer screen or playing on your phone. This will help to make you feel more relaxed and prepare your mind and body for a good night’s sleep.
Keep A Journal
The act of writing down what’s bothering you or on your mind can also help to reduce your stress and anxiety. You may not even know or realize what’s bothering you until you sit down and record your thoughts on paper. Keeping a journal is a great way to analyze and pick apart your thoughts and will allow you to work on problem solving instead of dwelling on what’s out of your control. You can also use a journal as a way to boost your self-confidence by writing down what you do like about yourself and all the accomplishments you’ve achieved so far in life. You may be feeling anxious because you aren’t comfortable with yourself and are self-conscious, so this exercise will help you to work through those emotions.
Learn to say no
Saying yes to all you’re asked to do will quickly make you feel tired and exhausted. Instead, keep a calendar and take a look at your schedule before you say yes and commit to various activities and obligations. A practical way to manage your stress and anxiety is to learn to say no when you simply don’t have the time or energy to help out with a certain event or task. What’s even more important is that you say no and then don’t allow yourself to feel guilty about it later on. Start doing more of what makes you feel happy and satisfied and less of what’s causing you angst and worry.