Stress is something we all have to deal with in our lives. It is a natural part of life, but it is still important to find the right ways to mitigate stress so that it doesn’t become unmanageable. If left unchecked, excessive stress can lead to mental health problems and burnout at work.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to de-stress and still excel in your high powered position. A combination of healthy living, relaxation techniques and timekeeping can be invaluable in helping you manage your stress and ensure you remain in control of it.
Spend Time With Your Pet
Animals can aid relaxation in a unique way. Spending time with a pet and enjoying their unconditional love can be a great way to increase your serotonin and dopamine levels, with the result being a boost to your mood. Just petting or playing with an animal can boost feelings of calm, happiness and relaxation.
If you don’t own a pet, there are still plenty of ways you can connect with animals. You could consider volunteering at a local animal shelter, visiting a cat café or offering to pet sit for a friend. You could even start a side hustle as a dog walker to make a little extra money while spending quality time with animals.
Hug A Loved One
Human connection is another crucial factor for keeping you mentally healthy. Getting a hug from a loved one can be a fantastic way to ease the stresses of the day. Humans are social creatures, and receiving physical affection is one of the critical needs that every human has. You could consider giving your partner or kids a hug when you return home each day to help you transition from work to home life.
Exercise Daily
Exercise is crucial to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Stress can often cause sleepless nights, and one excellent way to combat this is exercise. You will ensure that your body is physically tired and ready for a good night’s rest by exercising during the day.
You could consider starting by cycling or walking to work rather than driving. This can make getting the right amount of exercise each day even easier. It is recommended that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week or 75 minutes of more strenuous activity. You can spread this across the week in periods that suit you.
Light A Scented Candle
Aromatherapy can have an incredible impact on mood and mental health. If your aim is relaxation, you could choose a scent like lavender or chamomile, known for their relaxing properties. You could use a particular candle each time you return home from work to signal to your mind and body that it is time to relax.
Play A Game
Gaming can be an excellent way to relieve stress while having fun. There are so many types of games out there, and some that come with their own social elements, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
You could also consider finding a place you can play multiple games in one to find the games you enjoy most. It is a good idea to check reviews from other players to help you find the most reliable UKGC regulated sites, like the expert gamers over at Onlinecasinos.co.uk. Though remember, to always gamble responsibly.
Eat Healthily
Sometimes when we’re stressed, all we crave is comfort food. Often this type of food comes in the less healthy variety: ice cream, crisps, fast food and chocolate. While these foods are fine to consume intermittently in moderation, they should not make up a significant portion of your usual diet.
Instead, it is best to ensure that your regular diet includes plenty of whole foods, fruit and vegetables. You should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day and try to have as much variety as possible in your diet.
Take Up A Creative Hobby
Engaging in creativity can be an excellent stress buster. You don’t need to have the skills to do something perfectly to enjoy it, and taking up a hobby can be a fantastic way to spend your time and aid in relaxation. There are kits you can purchase to help you get started in a wide range of creative hobbies such as watercolour painting, embroidery, woodworking and much more.
Do Yoga
Yoga has long been considered one of the most relaxing exercises to do. Deep breathing exercises and elements of meditation are incorporated into the practice making it an ideal stress buster. You can also practice yoga at any fitness level, from total beginner to expert levels. Consider finding some yoga videos to try out online or look up a local yoga studio.
Carve Out Leisure Time
One of the most challenging parts of having a high-pressure career is finding time for leisure activities. People in high powered positions often have to deal with work matters even during their time off, so it is essential to do what you can to spend time doing things you enjoy. You could send out an email letting your colleagues know that you will be unreachable during certain times or take your annual leave strategically to have regular work-free time.
Spend Some Time Alone
Being alone is often conflated with being lonely, but just as human interaction is crucial for mental health, so too is time spent in your own company. Spending time on your own to do whatever you want can be an excellent way to boost your mental health. You could read a book, watch a favourite TV show, treat yourself to some takeaway or do your favourite hobby.
It may help to schedule your time alone, as alone time can often be challenging to find in a busy family home. You could hire a babysitter for your kids or ask your partner to take them out for a few hours. You can then return the favour when your partner needs some time to themselves.
Go For A Spa Day
Having a spa day can be an excellent way to pamper yourself and let the worries of daily life fall away. Consider finding a spa that offers all of the treatments you might need to leave you feeling relaxed and stress-free. A full body massage is essential and can be a great way to ease the tension that many people carry in their bodies.
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