According to the American Institute of Stress, research and studies done by the American Psychological Association revealed that “55% of Americans are stressed during the day”, and “chronic stress is commonplace at work with 94% of workers reporting feeling stress at work”.
1. Take a dance break!
It doesn’t have to be dancing in the living room but just commit to doing something active. Get up and stretch, go for a walk, lift weights, swim, ride a bike– anything to break a sweat and get your endorphins flowing. An active lifestyle will do wonders not just for your physical health but also for your mental well-being!
2. Soak in some Vitamin D.
Connecting with nature and breathing in fresh air will do wonders for your mental health and stress levels! Try to go outside for your daily exercise and see the impact the sun has on your mood. You can still get Vitamin D even if it’s cloudy, and your body needs this nutrient for a number of functions; in fact, one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the U.S. is a Vitamin D deficiency!
3. Write down things you’re grateful for.
This simple mindfulness exercise may seem cheesy or pointless, but acknowledging and expressing gratitude is key to readjusting your focus to the positive instead of the negative. Other beneficial activities to ease your mental load could look like meditation, yoga, journaling, deep breathing exercises, playing soothing music, and positive affirmations.
4. Reach out to family and friends.
More than ever, people need a support system of close family and friends, especially when feeling stressed and depressed. Maintaining social connections and talking through how you feel can really make a difference! Find ways to volunteer in your community, make new friends, and make time for religious and cultural activities. This will help you strengthen your resilience to everyday stress.
5. Find ways to laugh or be inspired.
Another one of the best ways to reduce stress is to laugh. Sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine! Think of the last person or situation that had you laughing until you cried. We can guarantee you’ll feel a little lighter! You can also look for inspiring quotes, happy songs, or other positive sentiments to have running through your mind rather than focusing on the negative thoughts.
6. Eat and sleep well
It’s a fact that your gut health and your mood are connected. When you’re not fueling your body with the nutrients it needs, you can feel extra sluggish and low, compounded by poor-quality sleep. Maintaining healthy eating habits and prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule are some of the best ways to reduce stress.
7. Consider taking a stress support supplement.
Dietary supplements can be very beneficial in providing that extra boost of stress support when you need it most. For example, Stress Less is a unique blend of patented extracts, Ashwagandha, and l-theanine that can help you cope with the effects of stress. It supports healthy cortisol levels, promotes restful sleep, alleviates occasional fatigue, and encourages mental clarity.
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