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We all experience some level of stress in our daily routines. In fact, according to some studies, stress is an essential component of our lives.
Stress, however, becomes a problem when we become overwhelmed and its triggers start to affect our daily lives and those around us.
Where else, it is key for survival, too much stress can be detrimental. So, how do you manage it before it leads to ill health and even suicide?
1. Breathe deeply
According to experts, deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
Therefore, take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. Sit up straight, eyes closed, with a hand on your belly.
Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the breath start in your abdomen and work its way to the top of your head. Reverse the process as you exhale through your mouth.
2. Listen to music
When you are experiencing stress levels, it is advisable to focus on one activity that relaxes you. To many, listening to music does the magic.
Health experts have it that claim that laying calm music has a positive effect on the brain and body, can lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.
3. Reduce your caffeine intake
Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks. High doses can increase anxiety.
People have different thresholds for how much caffeine they can tolerate. If you notice that caffeine makes you jittery or anxious, consider cutting back.
4. Write it down
When stress kicks in, you often need some sort of letting the steam out. One effective way of doing that is by expressing yourself through writing.
While recording what you're stressed about is one approach, another is jotting down what you're grateful for. Gratitude may help relieve stress and anxiety by focusing your thoughts on what's positive in your life
5. Reach out
Your social network is one of your best tools for handling stress. Talk to others -- preferably face to face, or at least on the phone. Share what's going on. You can get a fresh perspective while keeping your connection strong.
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but that doesn't mean you should ignore it. Too much-untreated stress can cause potentially serious physical and mental health problems. The good news is that in many cases, stress is manageable.
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