Why is it important to de-stress?
In a world, full of chaos and busy schedules, it is necessary to unplug yourself every day for peace and relaxation. Sadly, with so much going on in our lives daily, we hardly find time for ourselves. Let’s check out some easy, quick and guaranteed ways to help you ease out and feel more content, happy and peaceful in your routine life.
- Meditate!
Meditation can really keep you focused and energized all day, especially if practiced in the morning. All you really need is a comfortable space without noise. Close your eyes focusing on your breath and relax your muscles. Have a ‘let it go’ attitude and act like unburdening your worries and daily tensions while you meditate. Restorative Yoga will be another way of relaxation.
This can help you de-stress a lot — even research has proven that daily meditation lowers heart rate, controls blood pressure and enhances a person’s critical thinking and cognition.
- Try ‘happy’ foods!
No, we’re not talking about happy meals on a fast food restaurant. Instead, eat some mood-boosting foods that are rich in carbohydrates. These foods, that include sweet treats like ice cream, pretzels, candy and cookies, can really increase your body’s serotonin levels (which is a feel-good neurotransmitter).
Eating some carb-rich snacks can help you with instant de-stress, but be sure to watch out for your meal portions. Do not chomp away at cookies and candies endlessly, or you will have another worry in life: obesity.
- Spoil yourself!
When it’s too much for you to take in a day, you must take a break and pull yourself together. If you keep grinding away at daily worries, you’ll end
up feeling burnt out and won’t have the energy to come back to your problems later on.
Hence, a good strategy is to organize your life, take occasional breaks and do something for yourself, such as:
- Get a massage
- Have a hot shower
- Take a nap
- Exercise — yes, endorphin’s released during exercise really alleviate mood
- Listen to music
The idea behind de-stressing your life is to make you more productive in your every task. If you time everything well while keeping your own mind, body and soul as a priority, you’ll soon discover that a de-stressed mind can handle stress a lot better. Good luck!
Johanna Oosterwijk, N.D.
