In need of some quick and easy stress busters? I’ve got you covered!
Maybe you’ve heard the quote: “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lou Holtz
Oh, this is so true!
Stress – we’ve all felt it. While the effects of stress vary a bit from person to person, stress impacts the body. Specifically, stress impacts how your body responds to the aging process. Stress ages the heart and can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar. It also elevates your heart rate, which can wear the heart out over time.
Stress has also been shown to weaken the bones, make you sick and even make you fat! High levels of stress hormones, or cortisol, raise the body’s blood sugar, which can lead to insulin resistance, and also aggravate conditions like heartburn and inflammatory bowel problems.
The list of negative health impacts that stress has on the body goes on, but I’m sure you get the point. Let’s focus on what you can do to prevent suffering any of these stress-related issues!
Here are ten ways you can mitigate the effects of stress
Let it go. If you can’t change it, don’t worry about it! Oftentimes our reactions to stressful situations cause more problems than the situation itself.
Shift your focus. Instead of focusing on the problem, focus on the solution. By doing this, you divert your energy away from the problem to how to fix it, which gives you more control over the situation.
Practice redirection. When you’re stressed, it’s easy to focus on the negatives of the situation. This doesn’t do you any good! When you find yourself in a stressful situation, pause, take a deep breath and redirect your mind to focus on positive thoughts and images.
Breathe deeply. You can balance your hormones and increase oxygen, both of which help calm your body’s response to stressors. So take a deep, belly breath, fill your lungs to full capacity and be sure to exhale just as deep.
Get moving! Exercise is the best medicine for stress, without the mood-flattening side effects of prescription pills. Plus, you have the added benefit of knowing that people who move more are bothered less by stress.
Pet your dog or cat. Really! Studies show that owning a pet and taking the time to give them a love actually lowers stress.
Relaxation Exercises. Try yoga or meditation. Or do what I like to call a body check. Start with the top of your head and work your way down. Is your brow furrowed? How’s your jaw, shoulders and back muscles? What about your stomach? Keep going until you have checked and relaxed your entire body.
Focus on right now. Often times stress comes from worrying too much about the future or spending too much time in the past. This very minute is all that really matters.
Music. Listen to whatever music relaxes your mind and body. Try singing or humming along with your favorite songs. This helps redirect your thoughts and both are proven stress busters.
Laugh! Laughter really is the best medicine. Think of the funniest story you have ever heard or
In conclusion
Stress is something we all have to face. Thankfully, there are quick and easy stress busters to help you find happiness and health instead. What helps you reduce stress? Tell me about it in the comments!
Know someone who would love these quick and easy stress busters? Be sure to share!
P.S. If you are looking for more ways to reduce stress in your life you won’t want to miss the podcast I have coming soon. Make sure you are on my email list and follow along on social media so you don’t miss out!
If you liked this post make sure to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook so you don’t miss anything I’m up to! ❤️
P.P.S. If you enjoyed this article you’ll also love How to be Happy: What we Focus on is How we Feel.
This post may contain affiliate links.
