5 Healthy Ways to Destress
Anxiety and stress are treatable, but sadly only a small percentage of people suffering from mental health issues are seeking treatment.
28/08/2020
Anxiety and stress can plague any of us, and often they strike when you least expect it. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reveals that annually, 40 million adults in the USA experience anxiety. Anxiety and stress are treatable, but sadly only 36% of people suffering from mental health issues are seeking treatment.
If you neglect to treat stress and anxiety when you first notice symptoms, they can quickly spiral out of your control. Stress affects you both physically and mentally, and you can easily become overwhelmed with negative emotions if you don’t learn to control what you feel. How can you fight back stress and anxiety?
1. Meditation
Meditation allows you to develop a mantra you can repeat in your mind when you feel stressed. Meditation brings short-term and long-term stress management improvement. There are different ways to meditate. Research to identify the one that appeals to you. Or take a few minutes daily to practice mindfulness that requires you to focus on the present moment.
2. Exercise
Being physically active can support our efforts to fight stress and negative emotions. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the brain, and make you feel good. This is why you have a sense of accomplishment every time you leave the gym. Exercising also improves your self-esteem because it has physical results. No matter if you run in the park, weight-lift or enroll in an aerobic class, 30 minutes of exercise daily can improve your mental state.
3. Healthy diet
When stressed, you often head to the fridge to scoop some ice cream or eat other treats as a coping mechanism. But to relieve stress you must fight the urge to reward yourself with unhealthy food because they can make you gain weight and leave you to feel worse than when you felt stressed because of a bad day at the office. Stock your drawers with healthy food and treats that support your brain function. Eggs, broccoli, nuts, and fish are some foods that improve your mood and overall cognition.
4. Medical marijuana
Medical marijuana offers a non-harmful and non-addictive treatment when dealing with increased levels of anxiety and stress. Scientists at Washington State University published a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders and highlighted that medical marijuana could reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. If you want to relieve your negative emotions, apply for an Illinois medical marijuana card for a doctor to evaluate your needs and prescribe you a suitable treatment.
5. Reading
You can take the act of reading for granted, but you should know it can reduce stress. Reading is a wonderful escape from your daily stress. Opening your favorite book and diving into literature distracts you from everyday stressors. Reading also relaxes your body because it eases the tension in your muscles and lowers your heart rate. The University of Sussex revealed that reading could reduce stress by 68%. In fact, it’s more effective than other relaxation activities like drinking tea and listening to music.