We all feel stressed sometimes. And the cause can vary from person to person. For one person it could be too much to do, too little time. For another it could be pressure from a boss to do something that feels impossible. It can be from fear and anxiety of the unknown, illness or pain.
Our bodies are well-equipped to deal with stress, in the short term that is. It’s when stress becomes chronic that it can cause problems. But it’s not the external stressor itself that causes harm. It’s our own response to it. Our attitude, our mindset, our actions, habits and behaviours.
It’s our perspective and perception of the stressor that determines our reaction and response. And this can depend on our past experiences, past traumas, our childhood and earlier adulthood. We are all individual in this respect. A certain stressor may cause great anxiety and aggravation in one individual while another may take it fully in their stride.
Working on our patterns of behaviours, habits and mindset, through coaching for example, is a great way to take control of our stress response. In turn, this can make a big difference to our overall health and wellbeing.
Here are some ways we can help to reduce the impact of stress in our lives: 🪷
Practice saying no
Avoid people pleasing
Set your boundaries
Take frequent breaks
Live in alignment with your purpose
Learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable
Make decisions that bring inner peace
Step out of your comfort zone every so often
Spend time in nature 🌊🌳
Talk it out
Journal 📝
Movement and exercise 🏃♀️
Take your mind on an adventure – read, watch a movie or a tv series 📚
Laugh – watch a comedy
Paint or draw 🎨
Engage in a craft activity – sewing, pottery, knitting, crochet 🧶
Listen to music 🎶
Play a musical instrument 🎸
Sing 🎵
Hum or chant
Pray 🙏
Meditate 🧘
Practice yoga or Tai Chi
Play 🤾♀️
Rest
Spend a day doing nothing
Prioritise sleep 😴
Have a nutrient-rich, balanced diet 🍲
Eat magnesium-rich foods e.g. leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains 🥬
Aromatherapy 🌼
Gardening 🪴
Go wild swimming 🏊
Get sunshine exposure ☀️
Have fun with games 🎲
Cold water plunges 💦
Sauna
Massage
Visit a museum
Go to the zoo 🙉
Play with a pet 🐕
Give a hug
Plan a holiday ⛱️
What are your favourite ways to minimise stress?
