In this fast-paced world, it’s no wonder stress is such a hot topic. You put your body through all kinds of physical demands. You work 40 to 60 hours a week, commute back and forth in long lines of traffic, eat fast food and sleep for a few hours before doing it all over again. The news is a constant barrage of politics, medicine and social turmoil, just to name a few of the things that cause emotional tension. This daily strain disrupts sleep, causes headaches and muscle aches, increases blood pressure, weakens your immune system, and negatively impacts personal relationships. The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to relieve this stress. Here are a few ideas to get you on your way to a calmer, happier life.
1. Take CBD Supplements
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants. This compound is extracted and added to edible products such as gummies, capsules and oil tinctures. You can also purchase a well-made CBD vape kit that allows you to inhale CBD vape juice. There are many different flavors and concentrations available, so you are bound to find something appealing. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain. By attaching to these receptors, your brain produces more serotonin, the hormone that makes you feel calm and relaxed. Being relaxed allows you to sleep better, be a more pleasant person to those around you and lowers your blood pressure.
2. Exercise Often
Working out at a consistent schedule is a healthy way to relieve tension. Not only is your body getting the physical exercise necessary to be healthy, but it also lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Activities such as jogging and walking increase endorphins, which make you feel happier and help decrease pain. By getting exercise, your body is even more tired at night, and you are more likely to get a good night’s sleep.
3. Try Yoga
This activity is different than exercise because the point of yoga isn’t to increase heart rate. Yoga focuses on muscle stretching, breathing technique and meditation. Yoga also helps lower cortisol, decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and boosts mood. You can do it any time of day, at home or the office, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment. A few minutes of yoga during a lunch break can make a big difference in decreasing stress.
4. Listen to Music
Put together a playlist of relaxing instrumental music that you can listen to all day. Music is a great way to lower stress because it helps calm your mind and boost your spirit. You can listen to it at work, during your commute, or even around the home.
5. Read or Write
Relax at the end of the day with a good book instead of electronics. Reading relaxes your body and mind because it allows you to visit a world free from the stress of your daily life. Writing is also an excellent way to get your bothersome thoughts out of your mind. You can do this by journaling, writing poetry or publishing your experience in a blog. Anything you do is a helpful way to process these stressful thoughts and come up with better ways to manage the situation.
6. Visit With Friends
Laughing with your favorite people is a great way to relieve tension because it increases your body’s feel-good hormones. Plan game nights, movie dates, or time together to socialize with the people who are most important to you. This time together also gives you a chance to talk to people you trust, and you can get your stressful thoughts off your mind. Friends and family can offer insight into dealing with a particular situation or simply provide a listening ear.
7. Eat Healthy Food
Food high in nutrients helps your body fight the adverse effects of daily life. This everyday chaos causes oxidation and inflammation in the body, contributing to harmful health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. It also causes people to reach for sugary, carb-filled snacks throughout the day, causing weight gain. Eating healthy is vital to counteract the negative biological response to stress and keep you at a healthy weight.
Stress is everywhere in your life. Fortunately, you can counteract it in many different ways. Try some of these suggestions today and get started on the road to a more relaxed lifestyle.
