Five Easy Ways to Reduce Stress

I’m linking up withThe Blended Blogtoday for Health Tips Monday. I wish I could say that my life is completely stress free, but it’s not, and a little stress from time to time is normal. Whether it’s a big life event or a build-up of little things over time, when the pressure is on, it’s important to deal with it in a healthy way. Having a stress relief habit that works can make a big difference in how you cope and feel. Of course, theres no one size fits all stress reliever, but here are five stress reducers to try to help you effectively face whatever comes your way.

Begin your day withmeditation. Before you get bombarded with emails, social media and traffic, take a few minutes to meditate first thing in the morning. It starts your day off on the right foot, helps you think positively and gives you a boost of energy.

Exercise produces endorphins and endorphins improves your mood. Hitting the gym for a strength training workout or cardio class can help reduce anxiety. No time to hit the gym, try the 7-minute workout. Scheduling exercise on your calendar as an appointment with yourself will help you make it happen. And make sure the pain doesn’t discourage you from ever setting foot in the gym again. Wear comfy compression garments like leggings to help with the dreaded muscle fatigue. Relieve muscle pain using a pain relief gel or a hot and cold therapy massage ball so you can still go back the next day ready for another workout hustle.

Music is known to relax our minds and body and hearing your favorite song can have an instant calming affect. Don’t feel like you have to listen to classical music to relax. Make a feel good playlist so you can chill out to whatever calms you.

Unplug. Technology is an integral part of our lives and we rely on it to entertain us, connect with people and have information at our fingertips. Information overload can be stressful. Take a technology break and unplug for a few hours, pick up the phone and arrange a time to catch up with friends.

Journaling. Writing down and organizing your thoughts will help give meaning to your emotions and put things in perspective. Keeping a stress diary gets those anxious thoughts on paper which can help alleviate uneasy feelings.