Effective Ways to Keep Stress Under Control

What are the Common Triggers for Stress?

● Change in routine - this could be because of a new job or moving to a new city or even a new home.

● Triggers in the workplace - like stressful work environment or even the fear of not being able to meet a critical target.

● In some, it could be because of setting too high standards in a relationship that causes disputes and therefore stress.

What can Stress do to Your Mind and Body?

• ● Some experience premature aging signs like greying of hair or even fine lines and wrinkles

• ● Elevated blood pressure

• ● Hair loss

• ● Appetite issues like feeling too hungry or eating too little and therefore weight gain or weight loss

• ● Digestion problems like heartburn

• ● Some might also notice a drop in the quality of sleep

Knowing that stress can be so bad for you, here is how you can tackle it.

Ways to Manage Stress Effectively

1. Do something that makes you smile

You might have a regular job, but even if you happen to be in a job you love, you should still find a hobby that does not involve any monetary returns or any commitments for that matter. Anything that makes you smile - it could be drawing or reading a book or even playing your favourite musical instrument. Such activities that spark your creative side can relax your mind and help fight stress effectively.

2. Practice mindfulness

When you get too caught up in your work and day to day activities, you often forget to stop and focus on your body. That is when mindfulness can help. Mindfulness is all about accepting and acknowledging the current moment. Feeling your senses, putting a halt to your busy schedule, and taking a break from strenuous activities is the best way to eliminate stress. Guided meditation can be of great help when it comes to practising mindfulness.

3. Exercise regularly

If you thought that exercise is merely for those who wish to lose weight or build their muscles, think again. Physical exercises done regularly can be great stress busters. Even if you have a super busy weekday routine, try to wake up a little early and go for a morning run or sign up for a good gym membership and hit the gym at least a few times a week. Virtual fitness classes are even better as you also get to connect with a community of like-minded people, and this can motivate you to push further.

4. Take sleep seriously

Stress makes it difficult to fall asleep, but then lack of sleep can worsen the implications of stress. When you feel too stressed or find it difficult to manage time, instead of staying up late and trying to finish your tasks, try and wake up early. Establishing a good sleep routine can be of great help. Try to go to bed and wake up at fixed times. Dim the lights, use soothing scents in aroma diffusers or even play some relaxing sleep meditation music to make it easier to fall asleep. Get into the habit of waking up early. This will give you some extra time to focus on self-care and therefore manage stress before it wreaks havoc on your body.