I think most people can agree, this has been a very stressful year. Now that the year is coming to an end and we are entering the silly season, our stress levels can increase tenfold. It is normal to suffer from stress from time to time and it is normally unavoidable. However, ongoing stress can be detrimental to our physical and mental wellbeing.
Here are some simple ways to help manage stress:
1. Exercise
Get up and move your body. This is a great way to help manage stress levels as our body releases endorphins which in turn help us feel less stressed. This can be as simple as going for a walk.
2. Take some time out
I know this is a lot easier said than done but having at least 10 minutes of downtime can help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your day. This can be reading a book, listening to music, or even just having a cup of tea.
3. Breathing
I know this is an obvious one as we need to breathe to survive but hear me out. If you focus on your breathing and take deep breaths, this can help slow your breathing and lower your heart rate. This will help relax your muscles and calm your mind. This a great exercise for people who suffer from anxiety.
4. Organisation
Take some time out on a Sunday afternoon and get yourself organised for the week. Being unorganised can be one of the number one causes of unnecessary stress in your life. Whether it is meal prep so you know what you are eating during the week, or planning out what tasks needs to get done.
5. Swimming
My personal favourite way to destress is to go for a swim in the ocean and what I like to call ‘saltwater therapy’. Now that we have entered into the hotter months this is a super relaxing activity and will help relax your mind and muscles!
If you are suffering from ongoing stress, it may be worth heading to the GP for a check-up. It is important to look after your mental health.
