5 Ways To Keep Your Stress In Check

We’ve all felt it before. Pushed to the brink at work. Pulled in a million different directions. Stressed. And what we crave is the ability to unplug from it all. We need a way to decompress.

It’s true that on our path to achieving extraordinary things, our lives can go out of balance. We may be spending extra time at work to get that new initiative off the ground, and because of the professional success we are seeking, we have far less time for the people who matter most in our lives. Or maybe we’ve gone through a big personal change that’s preventing us from having the time we need at the office.

When we look to accomplish exceptional things in our professional and personal lives, it’s easy to let the stress get to us. Oftentimes, we forget to stop and give ourselves the attention and self-care we need. It doesn’t take a total reboot — just some simple changes that almost anyone can incorporate into their lives.

1. Get Outside

There’s something about being outside that just feels good, and scientists agree. Researchers have found that exposure to nature can decrease stress and increase our well-being.

In 2015, a study conducted in California asked participants to spend ninety minutes walking through an area full of greenery, and others to walk near a four-lane, traffic-filled street. The nature walkers experienced a decrease in their gloomy feelings, while the urban walkers experienced no change in mood.

Take a work break and get outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Even better, find a local park or nature trail where you can unwind after work or on the weekend. Not only will your mental state thank you, but you’ll be better prepared to come back and knock your priorities out of the park with a clear mind.

2. Have “You Time”

We know what you’re thinking. You are so busy and stressed that you don’t have time to spend on yourself. But that is exactly why you need to. Giving yourself the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate is key to removing unnecessary stress from your life.

You may find the best “you time” can be found in the morning, before the rest of the world has woken up.  Waking up 15 minutes early to do what you like to do — whether it’s sipping a cup of coffee, meditating, or taking a run around the block — will give you the time you need to focus on yourself. And to accomplish extraordinary things, you need to be the best possible you.

3. Be With Those You Love

It may not come as a surprise, but loving and supportive relationships are great for stress control.

In fact, a study done in 2011 showed that in children, having a best friend present in their lives during something unpleasant significantly decreased their stress and increased their feeling of self-worth. Other studies have found that those with strong relationships have a greatly reduced risk of mortality than those people who do not have social support.

If you’re stressed out, schedule some time with the ones you love. Whether it’s dinner with family or friends, doing a simple task with your child so you can catch up on their day, or snuggling with your furry best friend, reconnecting will prevent the stress you are feeling from isolating yourself from those you love.

4. Exercise

Exercise has an inevitable way of clearing our heads. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, which are “feel good” chemicals from our brains, and decrease stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These physical reactions are great for lowering our stress levels.

Don’t think exercise will help you because you aren’t training for a marathon? Think again. Even a brisk nature walk (where you can also accomplish option #1!) can have the same positive impact on your stress levels.

5. Turn Off The Technology

Technology can be a great thing, but at times it can also be a negative. Did you know that the light coming from the screens of LED-based devices —phones, tablets, and computers — increase the release of cortisol and negatively impact the production of melatonin in our brains? This isn’t good for our sleep habits or for keeping our anxiety levels down. Compounded with what some researchers call “FOMO” or the “fear of missing out,” when we are not in direct contact with our devices, technology can contribute significantly to our stress.

Our suggestion to you is to build a habit of limiting your access to — or even turning off — your technology at least one hour before bedtime. And an added bonus is that being without your phone for a while in the evening may give you the courage to go without it sometimes during the day – allowing you to be more present for the moments that matter like enjoying nature and spending time with family and friends.

— Courtesy of The One Thing Blog archives

What simple tricks have you learned that help decrease your stress levels? Let us know on the KellerINK Facebook page. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more research and tools.