We’ve all felt stressed at some point due to school, our careers, or at home. This is a normal and a natural part of life. However, stress becomes an issue when prolonged over a long period.

Stress has negative effects on both the mind and body. Stressed individuals report headaches, depression, heartburn, stomach ache, anxiety, and high blood pressure – just to name a few.

That’s why it’s important to manage stress levels. In 2018, a study showed 79% of people felt so stressed they became overwhelmed. You don’t need to be one of them.

Here are a few ways to combat stress and achieve a stress-free life.

Create a routine

Having a structure to your day can help keep stressful feelings at bay. Grab a calendar and mark out tasks that need to be done and when. Set time aside for each and create a daily or weekly routine that will benefit you.

However, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Make sure to schedule some time for fun activities too. Set time aside for seeing family, going to the cinema, and vital “me” time. 

Take care of your body

You only get one body in your life – no returns or exchanges! That’s why you have to treat it right. You can do this by eating well and exercising often. Exercise is proven to help with stress thanks to endorphins released while working out.

Plus, worrying about your health and wellbeing can lead to becoming stressed. To prevent these feelings, you could consider getting private healthcare insurance, so you know you’ll always get the help you need.

Try meditation

This time tested method is a must for anyone feeling overwhelmed. Taking just five to twenty minutes out of your day to meditate is shown to help those with anxiety, depression, and stress. 

Set some time aside every evening or morning and centre yourself with meditation. This means finding a comfortable seated position and clearing your mind. You could focus on your breathing, a chant, or the traditional “oomm”. This triggers the body’s relaxation response, allowing you to wash away overpowering feelings of stress.

Limit social media

While social media is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family across the globe, its effects can be damaging. Numerous studies have shown the negative impacts of social media on users’ mental health, from experiencing FOMO, isolation, and depression.

We’ve all spent too long scrolling through someone’s profile, comparing our lives to theirs, quickly convincing ourselves that they’re far superior. By limiting time on social media, you’re giving yourself time to focus on what really matters: you.

Make time for friends

The world will always seem brighter with your friends by your side. Although finding time to see each other may be challenging due to school, work, or family life, try to squeeze in some time at least once a month.

It’s true what they say; laughter is the best medicine! Laughing with friends is proven to benefit your mental and physical wellbeing. So, give your friends a call, and have a good time – for the sake of your health!

Say goodbye to stress!

Overall, it’s mostly your mindset you need to change to live a stress-free lifestyle. If you continuously focus on the bad, let negative thoughts roam your mind, and think the worst of people, you’ll fall into a pit of despair and stress. To leave feelings of stress behind, you need that glass always to be half full.