Why You Should Make Stress Relief a Priority

Stress can be more deadly than you think.

We have all heard the common effects of stress such as headaches, anxiety, irritability, and increased heart rate, but this only scratches the surface.

If you feel threatened, your body will release adrenaline and cortisol throughout your body. This response is there to protect you by making you more alert, stronger, and more focused. When you are experiencing a dangerous situation, stress is needed. (1)

However, when you are stressed all of the time, there are many negative consequences. Stress can cause muscle tension, insomnia, heart disease, mental illness, weight gain, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insulin resistance, diarrhea, sadness, abnormal heartbeats, chest pain, and guilt. (2)

Do I have your attention now?

These kinds of health problems can be life-altering, especially if you develop more than one at a time.

People who manage their stress in healthy ways are more likely to live happier and longer lives.

Let's discuss some strategies for combatting the stress in our lives.

Cut Out Unneeded Stresses

No job or routine is worth a low quality of life. Ditch the thing that causes you to feel like the world is on your shoulders.

Wake Up Earlier

Feeling like you have to do 500 things a day is not healthy. In order to relieve your stress, make more time in one day to complete your to-do list.

Spend Time with Friends and Family

Having someone to talk to is so important when you are stressed with life. Do not forget to socialize and connect with those you love because they can offer relief and guidance.

Declutter

Organizing your living area may seem like a simple task, but it can clear your head in a big way.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Poor nutrition can make your stress worse than it already is. Make sure you are eating enough fruits and vegetables and that you are not eating empty carbs.

Reduce Caffeine

If you have been dealing with a lot of stress, take a break from the caffeine for a bit.

Exercise

Getting your body moving is an amazing way to blow off some steam. If you feel like you haven't been able to catch your breath lately, try taking a long walk or a do a short cardio workout.

At the end of the day, you should evaluate your quality of life and take precautions in how you are relieving the stresses of your life. Do not let your stress overwhelm your other emotions and influence your happiness in life.

Stress can ruin your mental, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional health. Take control of your life because you are the only one who can. Small changes in your daily life can drastically change your view of life.

(1) https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-signs-and-causes.htm

(2) https://www.healthline.com/health/facts-about-stress#The-bottom-line

(3) https://psychcentral.com/lib/20-tips-to-tame-your-stress#1

(4) https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/stress-coping-eliminate#1--5:-five-minutes-or-less