Buen Amigo: Stress and Management (Part 3 of 4)

Previously we’ve learnt how to avoid unwanted stress.

But there are times where no matter how we try to avoid they just kept coming.
And worst, existing stress is getting bigger and bigger.

This is why, after avoiding unwanted stress, it’s time we reduce the existing ones.

How?

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by making healthy lifestyle choices and taking care of yourself.

If you regularly make time for rest and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors when they inevitably come.

Learn to nurture yourself.

To many people, nurturing oneself seems like a luxury.
Especially for people of the older generation, they often believe in work hard, save hard but not enjoy hard.

Why work so hard and earn so much money when you can’t even take a little time out of it to give yourself some enjoyment.

Got your pay?
Buy a little something for yourself, something that you like as a reward for a month of hard work.

Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Remember this, nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.

Some might say, ‘I don’t even have time for breaks, let not say nurture myself’.

Nurturing doesn’t require extensive planning or even time management.
There’s so many simple things in life we can do to nurture ourselves.

Some of these things are:

Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule.
You wouldn’t allow other people to disrupt your work would you?
So do not allow any other obligations to disrupt your rest and relaxation time, as this is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.

Spend time with positive people who enhance your life.
As we mentioned regarding environment stress, a strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress.

Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.
By doing these small little things you like, can really make your day.

Laughter is the best medicine, and you’ll noticed stressful people rarely smile.
Always keep your sense of humour and this includes the ability to laugh at yourself.
The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.

A healthy body is equivalent to a healthy mind.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle is also an important step to fighting off stressors.

Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress.
When we exercise, our bodies produce little chemicals called endorphins.
Scientifically speaking, endorphins are polypeptides, which are able to bind to the neuron-receptors in the brain to give relief from pain.

Endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the body: they relieve pain, they reduce stress, they enhance the immune system and they postpone the aging process.

When you are stressed, it is important to get enough sleep.
Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

Exercisers actually go to sleep faster, are more refreshed when they wake up, and have sharper memories.
Exercise also increases the blood flow to the brain, bringing extra sugar and oxygen, which can help when concentrating.

There are so many benefits of exercise not only to reducing of stress, so keep exercising as you got nothing to lose =)

Eating well is also important.

Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat.

Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.
(Remember: breakfast is a very important source of energy to start off a good day, never skip it)