Mounting deadlines. Family demands. Relationship struggles. Stress has many causes and can have a serious impact on your body. Unchecked, this tension can lead to health issues, such as headaches, high blood pressure, and even depression. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the effects of stress on your body.
Here’s a look at four of the most effective strategies.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce the physical effects of stress. Exercise releases those feel-good endorphins, which help improve your mood and help you cope better with stressful situations. You don’t have to live in the gym to reap the benefits. Even 30 minutes a day can make all the difference.
Get Sufficient Sleep
Try to get into a regular bedtime routine and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night—anything less than that can exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression, while also causing physical symptoms such as headaches or fatigue during waking hours. Power down those electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime, so your mind has enough time to wind down before sleeping.
Eat Anxiety-Alleviating Foods
Consuming healthy foods helps reduce stress in many ways. A balanced diet ensures the body gets proper nutrition, such as vitamins and minerals, which can help combat inflammation that triggers stress hormones. Good stress-busting foods include nuts, oily fish, dark chocolate, berries, oatmeal, avocados, and citrus fruits.
Get Adjusted
Chiropractic care allows your nervous system to function optimally, so you won’t always have the gas pedal on. A healthy nervous system means less stress, more feelings of positivity, and better health.
Other Tips
If one of your morning must-dos is doomscrolling, you may want to curb that habit. Seeing a succession of negative news stories can cause your stress levels to rise, which isn’t a good way to start the day.
It’s also important to do check-ins with yourself each day, assessing your level of stress. By being aware of your stress, you can help manage it before it overwhelms you.
You don’t have to be stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Give us a call today to book an appointment. We want to help you have less stress and more joy in your life.