Feeling Weighed Down?

Stress is an unavoidable part of life but there are healthy ways to deal with stress that make it more manageable. No matter who you are, at some point in your life, stress will be an obstacle. The only action that you can take is to learn to release this stress in positive ways.

Listening to music is a great stress-reliever as it has a positive effect on the brain and the body. In addition, it is the perfect way to take a break. It is advisable to play calm music as it lowers blood pressure and reduces cortisone. Cortisone is a hormone associated with stress. 

If someone is a consistent burden to your life, this will just increase your stress level. If you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship entirely. Good relationships with family and friends are important components in having a stress-free life. A strong support system consisting of people you can trust and rely on definitely lifts a weight off your shoulders. Reassuring and comforting words may just be the cure to your stress. Even the slightest hint of laughter can help you through your day as it releases endorphins. Endorphins put you in a good mood and decreases levels of hormones that cause stress, such as cortisone and adrenaline. It is important to keep positive people in your life that can brighten up your days. Love others but always love yourself more. 

Be mindful of what you eat! You should fuel yourself with nutritious meals. How much and what you eat can really affect your stress level. Fruits and vegetables are a definite yes, along with fish that contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids as it has been revealed to reduce the symptoms of stress. Avocado’s and banana’s are loaded with potassium which is vital for keeping blood pressure low. Tea can also calm your frazzled nerves. The heart-healthy, omega-3 fats in fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna, affect adrenaline levels. Milk has a high content of vitamin B, proteins and bone-building calcium to relieve tense muscles. Yoghurt, nuts and chocolate (thankfully!), helps lower down stress levels as well.

Lifestyle changes are also recommended. From yoga or meditation to pilates, these exercises integrate physical and mental challenges that stops stress from overtaking your life. Research suggests that daily meditation may alter the brains neural pathways making you resilient to stress. 

Stress accumulates in a cluttered mind and physical activities can free your mind. This will help you think clearly and thus, helps you reduce stress. Physical activities play a major role in preventing effects of stress. Physical activities produce endorphins — chemicals in the brain that act as a natural painkiller — and improves the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress. Meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy or even breathing deeply can cause your body to produce endorphins.

Although negative ways to release stress are an easy escape, always remember that it is just temporary. Just tell yourself that life gets better eventually and that you'll just have to learn how to tackle these obstacles in a positive manner, no matter how hard it may be or how long it may take. Here's to a fruitful, stress free life!