Five Stress-Busting Habits for a Healthier You

Stress is an unavoidable part of life—but some habits can help you manage it and your health better. Stress management can help improve your mood, productivity, and even your sleep quality, so it’s not surprising that many people turn to habits such as meditation and exercise to help them de-stress. Here are five stress-busting habits you should start incorporating into your daily life today!

Get enough sleep

Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. A lack of sleep has been shown to increase stress levels and lead to poor decisions. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This will help your body develop a natural sleep cycle that will make it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up without an alarm clock. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or anything with large amounts of sugar in it before bedtime as these substances can disrupt your sleep. If you are struggling with insomnia, talk with your doctor about the best strategy for getting the rest you need each night. Another helpful tip is taking a bath before bed. Baths have been shown to lower cortisol (the hormone released by our bodies during times of stress) levels, relieve muscle tension, and ease anxiety—plus they’re relaxing! Finally, try incorporating more exercise into your daily routine. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins which provide relief from mental and physical discomfort. Take some time every day to be active whether that means playing outside with your kids or working out at home on equipment such as fitness videos on Youtube or exercising on Fitbit trackers—whatever works best for you!

Eat healthy

Eating healthy is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. There are plenty of reasons to go vegan, but if you're not ready to make that commitment yet, start by getting in the habit of eating more plants. When it comes to mood and stress relief, there's nothing better than eating lots and lots of vegetables. Your brain will thank you! Research has shown that when we eat enough fruits and vegetables our brains release serotonin - an important chemical for maintaining good moods. And let’s face it - these days most people need all the help they can get when it comes to staying happy. The problem is many don't know where to begin. That's why I'm going to share five habits with you that will be guaranteed to bring joy into your life. #1: Exercise: It doesn't matter what type of exercise you choose to do, just as long as you find something physical to do on a regular basis. A study published in PLOS Medicine found that those who did moderate exercise at least 20 minutes a day lowered their risk of depression by 45% 

#2: Don't drink too much alcohol: Alcohol contains substances like sugar which can actually leave us feeling worse after the buzz wears off. If drinking isn't really your thing, then try opting for herbal teas instead!

Exercise

#1: Go for a walk. Instead of powering through emails or sitting at your desk, take some time out to go for a walk outside. It doesn't have to be long - just get up from your desk and take five minutes out to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. 

#2: Ride an exercise bike or treadmill at work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park farther away and walk farther when you can. If you know it will make a big difference in how you feel, take one day off every week to just focus on yourself (think: spa day!).

#3: Eat more protein. Protein is essential for building muscle, keeping bones strong, and feeling satisfied after meals - which means less cravings for junk food! Protein is found in everything from beans to dairy products to fish (which also helps lower cholesterol). Try cooking with different types of proteins throughout the week so that you don't get bored eating the same thing over and over again! 

#4: Get plenty of sleep.

Take breaks

Taking breaks can be extremely beneficial to your mental health, and it's something that we're all capable of doing. If you find yourself in the middle of an overwhelming task, consider taking a break; this will allow your brain to process what it has just learned and allow you to return more refreshed. The next time you feel stressed, try taking a five minute break before the stress builds up. Even during stressful times, small moments of relaxation can go a long way! Take a few minutes at lunch to read or meditate, or even watch your favorite show on Netflix when you get home from work. These little things may seem insignificant, but they can make a big difference over time. By incorporating these habits into our daily lives, we can lower our levels of stress, stay healthier for longer periods of time, and live happier lives. So put down your phone, take a deep breath, and start implementing these five healthy lifestyle habits today! It’s always important to maintain a healthy lifestyle—it not only keeps us happy, but also helps us stay positive about life. When we’re feeling especially stressed out and need some relief, though, how do we relieve that anxiety? We know what doesn’t help: scrolling through Instagram feeds full of images of expensive clothes and lavish vacations or diving into social media sites with gossip headlines galore. But by using the tips below you can maintain a balance between being productive while also relieving your stress:

Relax

It's no secret that stress is bad for your health. There are many things you can do to reduce stress and promote relaxation, but the bottom line is that it's important to make some time in your day to relax. Whether it be through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, there are a variety of ways you can chill out and get rid of those pesky worries. For more tips on how to take care of your mental health click here! #5: Manage your anxiety: Sometimes when we're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it manifests as anxiety. Managing this type of stress can require some serious commitment to therapy or mindfulness activities such as mindful journaling and yoga.

#6: Reach out: If you're feeling really overwhelmed, talk to somebody about what's going on in your life - whether that's a friend, family member, counselor - somebody who will listen without judgment and offer advice without telling you what to do.