Feature blog by Dorothy Watson
From minor inconveniences to major incidents, stress can be considered a daily part of life. But, if you’re struggling to keep daily stressors in check, it can harm your long-term health. In this article, the education advocates at IPGC explore various types of stress-busting activities for you to explore.
Exercised Based
Engaging in exercise leads to the release of various feel-good hormones that elevate mood and help fight stress.
- Take a Brisk Walk: a brisk 10-minute walk can provide several hours of relief from stress and promote happier moods. If you live in a walkable neighborhood, take advantage of family walks when tensions feel high around the house.
- Start Jogging: this is an activity known for its stress-busting effects in both the short and long term.
- Practice Yoga: as the American Osteopathic Association explains, yoga is one of the best activities for relieving stress. For the best experience, remember to wear comfortable clothing, allowing you to engage in poses without difficulty.
Relaxation Based
Here’s a list of activities that can put your mind at ease in an instant:
- Meditation: this can involve practicing breathing exercises for 10-15 minutes each time you start feeling overwhelmed.
- Mindfulness: there are numerous applications through which you can practice guided meditation, which helps you focus on your thoughts and gain clarity of mind.
- Massage: similar to exercise, getting massage results in the release of feel-good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin that help fight stress.
- Skincare Routine: according to research, following a daily skincare routine helps to reduce cortisol levels in the body. As a start, you can switch to natural soaps which provide necessary cleansing while nourishing your skin with each use.
Lifestyle Based
Sometimes the main source of stress can be certain behaviors that we engage in daily, which can be curbed in the following ways:
- Sleeping Well: sleeping well each night improves the body’s ability to combat stress and maintain good mental health.
- Saying No: learn to say no to activities that you feel are unnecessary, this could include going for late-night dinners, having long calls with friends, and more.
- Eating Well: avoiding processed food and eating a balanced diet helps to balance out hormones and reduce the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed.
- Reducing Work Stress: if you are working at a job that is toxic or unfulfilling, make a change! You can update your resume and find something new or even start your own LLC in Illinois!
Find Your Stress-Reducing Rituals
Everyone is different, so it’s great to learn a variety of stress-busting options. Try a few on your own or with your family to find strategies that work for you! Because, in the end, it’s all about helping you learn to work through your stress and be a happier, healthier you.
Life can throw a variety of obstacles your way. If those obstacles are preventing you or your children from pursuing the education you deserve, visit IPGC to get connected with grief services, resources for kids with disabilities, and grants and scholarships.