As the adage goes, there are only two certainties in life – death and taxes. But if there was ever a runner-up, stress would be a close contender. Stress is prolific, whether it’s paying your rent on time or managing toxic relationships. Even the smallest day-to-day activities and encounters can draw stress into your life.
Left unresolved, the effects of stress can manifest themselves mentally and physically. Diseases, such as depression and anxiety, asthma, and diabetes, can arise. Here are 4 things you can do to make your week less stressful:
Eat Right and On Time
Food is a constant that you’ll run into every day. What, when, and where to eat are questions you’ll ask and have to find an answer for. This becomes even more stressful if you have family members to feed. Consider meal prepping during your free time, such as the weekends, so you have ready-to-eat meals throughout the busy work weekdays.
In addition to convenience, meal prepping also has the advantage of letting you choose what ingredients to use, which means you can cook healthier meals. You can further streamline the time-consuming task of grocery shopping by signing up for grocery deliveries. Food delivery in Victoria can get you fresh produce and ingredients at preset schedules that work for you.
Have a Regular Exercise Routine
Essentially any form of physical exercise can relieve stress from your mind and body. It’s also scientifically proven to release endorphins and other natural chemicals in your body. These chemicals can help improve your mood and sense of well-being. Even if you are not in shape or don’t engage in any sports, it’s easy to incorporate some exercise into your daily routine.
Jogging is perhaps the simplest form of physical exercise. You don’t need to sign up for any classes or programs or buy any special equipment. Simply start running around your neighborhood, at a local park, or on a treadmill in the gym. In addition to jogging, other forms of physical activity that can get you sweating and your heart pumping include biking, swimming, house cleaning, gardening, and weightlifting.
Take Care of Your Mind
Unhealthy habits can lead to stress and have to be cut from your life ASAP. Eating ultra-processed foods, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, or smoking can harm your mental health. Aim to curb these habits gradually or stop them altogether. It helps to have a good support system. Get your family and friends involved when taking steps to break the chains of your harmful habits.
Aside from breaking bad habits, start building on good ones. Meditating in the morning, for instance, can help clarify your mind, sharpen your focus and attention, and curb the mental noise that creates worry and stress in your life. Books are another good way to keep your mind strong. Make it a point to read a few pages of a subject matter you are interested in learning before going to bed.
Socialize
This might not sound appealing to read if you’re an introvert. But socializing is a great way to lower the risk of heart disease and stress, in general. When you are troubled by something, reach out to your close circle of family and friends rather than isolating yourself. It can be scary, at first, but practice doing it. You don’t have to have a problem reaching out either. A casual chat with a neighbor or a phone call with your parents to catch up is enough to reap the stress-reducing benefits of socialization.
If you are looking for ways to socialize, consider volunteering at your local senior living center or an animal shelter. These places are always looking for volunteers. Be careful, though. The more you socialize, the more chances of favors being asked of you. Learn the communication skill of saying “no” to requests or favors you don’t want to do.
It’s easy to get stressed nowadays. There are so many divisive things that can upset you, technologies and tools that can isolate you, and responsibilities that weigh down on your shoulders. Fortunately, it’s also easy to change your lifestyle and mindset to become more content and happier with your life. Follow the aforementioned tips to de-stress your week.
