Stress affects the mental and physical health of many people around the globe, particularly in Australia. We are under constant stress due to studying, work, family responsibilities, and many other factors. Stress can be beneficial if it motivates you to do a better job, but overwhelming levels of stress aren’t good for your health. The key to a healthy life is managing stress and keeping it at acceptable levels. If stress affects you negatively, there are a few things you can do to avoid it and live a healthier life as well.
Stay Active
Whenever you're feeling stressed, it's a great idea to engage in some form of activity to alleviate this stress. If you are not into going to the gym and exercising, you can find other physical activities to keep your body active on a daily basis. Hiking, running, biking, playing a favorite sport, or even walking around the house or the office for an hour a day will reduce stress and improve your mood. Choose an activity you enjoy so you'll be motivated to keep at it every day.
Sleep Well
Getting enough sleep is essential for the body to repair itself and to feel relaxed and rested the next day. If you don’t sleep enough, your body will be tense, your cognitive function will be impaired and this will increase your stress levels. Sleep in a dark, quiet room to limit the probability of waking in the middle of the night. Avoid drinking caffeine at least 5 hours before bedtime and don’t go to bed too hungry or too full.
Try Myotherapy
Myotherapy is a medical massage in which the therapist massages certain trigger points around the body to relieve pain. Trigger points are tight muscle fibers found in muscles that were created by either injury or overuse. Besides relieving muscle and myofascial pain, you can undergo myotherapy to relieve stress as it has the same relaxing effects as traditional massages. Make sure to deal with a trusted myotherapy professional as there is a possibility of health complications if done incorrectly.
Switch to a Healthy Diet
We are in fact what we eat. If you are not having a balanced diet, your body will lack essential nutrients. Eating unhealthy foods increases stress since the body isn’t functioning optimally. In recent studies, it was found that people who consume a large number of processed foods and added sugar have a higher chance of suffering from stress. Eating healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and beans nourishes your body and reduces stress significantly.
Reduce Drugs and Alcohol Intake
Contrary to popular belief, drugs and alcohol actually raise stress levels and trigger anxiety or depression. They also affect sleep quality which is essential for resting and repairing the body. Having a glass every once in a while won’t affect your body negatively, but constant indulgence wears down the body and intensifies stress.
Following these tips will help you reduce your stress and lead you to a healthier lifestyle. It is essential to avoid stress as it can be the reason for several mental and physical health conditions. Eat well, sleep well, stay active, and do things you enjoy. You will notice the difference in no time.
