7 Ways to Manage Your Stress

Stress. Everyone has it in one form or another. It is a natural human response that prompts us to face challenges and to overcome difficult situations in our day-to-day lives. Stress can be positive by keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger, but it can also hurt our health and overall well-being when we continue to experience it without any periods of relief or relaxation.

Here are seven ways to manage stress

1. Balance work and Home ~ Are you spending too much time in the office? If so, focus on spending more time at home doing something relaxing and fun. While you are at it, why not schedule yourself for a nice body massage?

2. Eat Well and Exercise ~ Well-nourished bodies perform better. Always start the day with a good breakfast! Eat a healthy diet of organic fruits and vegetables and try to avoid processed foods, sugar, and red meat. In addition, get moving! Studies show that exercising not only reduces stress levels but also your chances of catching certain illnesses and diseases.

3. Limit Alcohol and Stimulants ~ Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine can temporarily relieve stress, but in the long run, they have negative impacts on your health and can even make it worse. It is always better to just stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water instead. Limit your alcohol intake or stop altogether. If you're a smoker and need help quitting, read this helpful article.

4. Get plenty of sleep ~ You need to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep so your body can properly cope with stress. If you have difficulty sleeping, make a regular bedtime schedule and avoid electronic devices and cell phones before bed.

5. Spend time with others ~ Catch up with a friend for lunch or make a call to a family member. Spend time in nature with your pet. Studies show that even a little time with a companion can reduce your stress levels and also cut anxiety in half.

6. Take a vacation ~ Sometimes you just need to get away so you can recharge and reset your stress tolerance. Just remember to leave your laptop and cellphone at home!

7. Pray ~ If you are a person of faith, pray daily and pray often (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Spending time alone with our Creator can help us to put things in perspective. When we leave our troubles with God, there is no need to worry about anything. We can place our trust in Him and have full faith that He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Not that it is needed, but I will mention it anyway, studies show that prayer has many health benefits as well.

Stress is a normal part of life, but it can be managed with just a few simple life changes so you can look and be healthier, feel happier, and live a longer and richer life!

Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio: A multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.

She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist, creative nonfiction writer, and self-published author.

Aside from being a writer, Isabella is a book lover, a language enthusiast, and, most importantly, a woman of God in Christ Jesus.

"Together we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."