It’s not uncommon for a woman to hear that she needs to stress less. Even though people often say that it’s best to learn how to stress less or get rid of it altogether, it’s hard to know what that actually means. There’s no physical thermometer that tells a person that their stress level is rising. It’s an internal experience. It requires a multi-pronged approach. In order to reduce your stress, consider the following seven self-care tips to implement.
1. Rest
Getting enough sleep each night is paramount. When you wake up in the morning, you shouldn’t feel like you still need five more hours in order to feel well-rested. Pay attention to the time you go to bed. Consider how comfortable the bed it. Think about temporarily using sleep supplements like melatonin in order to fall asleep quicker and deeper. Rest also involves the way you get away and reset. Schedule in time for vacations. Create space for rest during your weekends. If you’re constantly on the go, this will lead to burnout.
2. Routines
Most people need structure in order to thrive. Build realistic routines around your energy levels. Sometimes, it’s a low-energy day as you’re coming off of the heels of a long week, set up non-negotiables for your low-energy days in order to make sure you’re still taking care of yourself and your needs. The same concept applies to your morning and evening routines. Preparing for bed, the next day or the morning can help you feel productive and prepared in ways that reduce Anxiety.
3. Exercise
If you want to reduce your stress, exercise needs to remain a staple in your life. Whether you go for a daily walk in your neighborhood or do Pilates at your local gym, find ways to move your body on a daily basis. If you tend to feel stressed out after work, go for a jog or do a restorative yoga session in order to release those pent-up emotions.
4. Boundaries
If you don’t know how to say no, you’re going to deal with a ton of stress. Be honest with yourself regarding people-pleasing behaviors. Learning how to say no will empower you in numerous ways. In addition to saying no, it’s okay to set up boundaries around your life. If you don’t want to take calls past a certain hour, put your phone in the ‘do not disturb’ mode. If you’re uncomfortable maintaining a toxic relationship, have conversations in order to either limit their contact or let them go altogether.
5. Nutrition
Whether you need to cut out caffeine after 12 pm or decrease your sugar intake, some of the best stress-relieving hacks are found in your nutritional habits. Become intentional about consuming foods that are rich in nutrients. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat quality sources of protein, and drink lots of water. As you work to improve your nutritional habits, you’ll think clearly, feel lighter and experience a better quality of life.
6. Pleasure
When you don’t get to have any fun, this leads to a life of dutiful monotony. Infuse pleasure into your life in numerous forms. Make a list of the things you love to do. Whether you love puzzles, spa days or photography, set time aside to indulge in those activities often. When you’re able to boost your endorphins and dopamine levels through heart-warming experiences, you can reduce your stress levels.
7. Financial Health
Stress is often connected to money. When you don’t have enough, this can be an extremely stressful experience. Pay attention to ways you can decrease the stress that’s connected to your finances. Whether you need to sign up for a better insurance package or develop a passive income stream, having enough money matters. In addition to living within your means, find ways to address and alleviate the stressful issues that are connected to your finances.
While some of these tips can be easily adopted into your daily regimen, others might take some time and adjustments. Give yourself grace. As you give yourself grace and space to figure it out, set a timeline. Consider your lifestyle, and figure out practical ways to reach certain goals. You don’t want to start stressing more about ways to stress less because that’s counterproductive. In time and with patience, you’ll figure out the best approaches to reducing stress in your own life.
