How do you react when your plans fall through? Do you roll with the punches? Or does anxiety keep you from enjoying life? When we are already stressed, what comes our way can affect us more than it normally would. Getting ahead of stress is what can help us keep our level heads. And as much as I like to think big, it’s the little (proactive) actions that help the most.
Here are 3 things to help get ahead of stress:
Sleep more.
It’s very common in our society to exist on less than 6 hours of sleep a night. But experts recommend 6-8 hours of sleep per night. Not just to rest our bodies, but to rejuvenate our minds. Sleeping is the time for our bodies to not just rest, but heal.
- What happens to our bodies when we sleep: our brain & body slow down, replenishing its energy and repairing cells, tissues, and muscles. When our body has the opportunity to get into the deep sleep phase and do these things, we see improved concentration & energy, better critical thinking, and a boosted mood the next day.
Turn it off.
The convenience that cell phones have added to our lives can actually be a double-edged sword. We depend on them so much it seems we can’t live without them. Our minds are constantly filled with news, social media, emails, etc. that it can be nearly
impossible for us to settle. Put any electronics down at least 30 minutes before bed.
- Our cell phones emit blue light, which disrupts our body’s melatonin production. Melatonin is what controls our circadian rhythm. This not only makes it more difficult to fall asleep; but it’s also harder to wake up the next morning.
Take a holiday.
It doesn’t have to be a fancy vacation resort. A day at the beach, or an afternoon at the park will do. Just anywhere you can be and not think about the bills, work, or whatever tensions you may have. It’s important to take time for yourself, so do it!
- If all you can pull off is a 10 minute walk each day, start with that! Even better, leave your phone behind when you go. Taking time for yourself, no matter how small of a time frame, fills your cup. You cannot give what you do not have.
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