If you’re overwhelmed by stressors in your life, you probably feel like you have no time to breathe, let alone for some downtime. First, you should determine your level of stress, as there are medications you can take if your stress turns into extreme anxiety. If you are often thinking about the harsh parts of your life and feel unable to cope with the challenges, your stress is turning into anxiety. Don’t worry, though – generalized anxiety disorder affects 18% of the U.S. population. It is treatable, thankfully, with the help of medication and therapy. Below we have three tips to help reduce your stress and practice mindfulness, which can notably reduce the anxiety you’ve been feeling. We must emphasize that if you feel helpless and unable to cope, you can see a doctor to see further treatment options for anxiety.
#1. Your Tea Has Soothing Ingredients
Drinking a cup of tea in itself calming, as it is often soothing to sit and relax while drinking a warm beverage. However, teas with the ingredients of chamomile and/or passionflower contain relaxing ingredients that release amino acids that promote calmness into your immune system. If you’ve been kept awake for hours, thinking of all the things you need to get done, passionflower and chamomile also can treat insomnia. These two ingredients also can settle upset stomachs, which can relieve cramping that may occur in response to extreme stress.
If you’re not that into tea or want a correct dose of these herbs, you can take a supplement to diminish anxiety and stress. Look at sites like Analyze That that compare different anxiety supplements on the market and can recommend the best supplement out there. Look for supplements that contain valerian root, magnolia and of course passionflower and chamomile extract.
#2. You Deserve A Break
Not that you have time for an extended vacation in the Bahamas, but if you’re feeling the pressure, one of the best things you can do in that case is to take a little break. Take your eyes off your work and take a breath. Studies have shown that if you’re feeling uninspired or unmotivated, you’ll focus so much better after a short 10-15 minute break. There are a few calming activities that you can do to regain your focus:
- Practice counting your breaths and clearing your mind of worry to help manage your thoughts.
- Take a walk. Lace up your sneakers and head outside to help rewire your tired brain.
- If you have time, exercise. Exercising not only is healthy for your physical body, it also helps relax your mind and even releases endorphins, which make you feel happy.
- If you’re too antsy to meditate, try some deep breathing techniques in a quiet room. There are apps like Breathe2Relax that can guide you through a quick session.
- Read a book. Changing your focus from work to a topic of interest may be just the step you need.
#3. Hobbies At Home
When you’re home from work, it takes time to unwind and take your mind off your long day. Sometimes you get too wrapped up in work that you forget to carve out some time for yourself. Think back to a hobby you used to enjoy but stopped because you simply didn’t have the time. Or, there may be something you’ve always wanted to try but didn’t have the time or the resources. Well, now’s your chance. Find a night or two a week to meet up with friends (or, if you prefer, sit in quiet at home) and get creative! Some hobbies meant to relieve stress are:
- painting or drawing
- knitting or crocheting
- cooking
- playing an instrument
- journaling
- gardening
You won’t regret taking time for yourself to your bustling life and busy schedule.
Wrapping Up
We hope that this short list gave you some ideas of how to stave off any mounting stress you’ve been feeling from your life or job. There are a few quick fixes like taking a supplement, drinking a cup of tea or taking a short walk, but you also should set a time for to relax. Starting a hobby or practicing deep breathing techniques or meditation can greatly improve your mental state and allow you to face daily challenges head-on.
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About The Author:
Victoria Temple is a mother of two and is 30 years old. She teaches yoga and pilates five times a week. She is also a life coach. She focuses on a balance between mental and physical health throughout her sessions and is very interested in new studies about the effects of herbal supplements.
