How To Handle Everyday Stress

In order to prevent chronic stress, we must be able to identify our stressors and how to adequately manage them. "Everyday stress" can be being a single parent, poor sleep habits, financial strain, being unhappy at a job, caring for a chronically ill family member, mourning a lost loved one, or simply feeling lost in life. It is crucial to perform daily practices that help control stress. Natural ways to manage everyday stress include exercise, yoga, listening to uplifting music, having a creative outlet, eating a nutrient-dense diet, getting outside or in nature, and keeping a journal. Exercise is a natural remedy for anxiety and one of best stress relievers. It regulates our metabolism and psychological processes. It also reinforces our sleep/wake cycles, moods, and blood sugar levels. Practicing yoga, or stretching, reinforces our mind-body connection, promotes good sleep, aids with controlling anxiety, and increases flexibility and core stability. Listening to uplifting music positively impacts our psycho-biological stress response, helps activate our parasympathetic (rest + digest) nervous system, and benefits hormonal balance and overall brain function. Eating a nutrient-dense diet is key to prevent and manage stress. When we don’t eat regularly or starve ourselves, our “fight or flight” response kicks in each time. An adequate supply of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, antioxidants and amino acids is the key to success and optimal health. Immersing in nature or simply going outside for fresh air and sunlight, promotes great sleep, boosts mood, and reminds us that we are specs on this earth part of a much larger universe. Lastly, keeping a journal allows us to keep track of our emotions, monitor our mindset, affirm our progress, and solve what’s really bothering us when we are unsure.

Acute stress is normal. Everyday stressors and challenges are normal. The problem arises when we don’t manage our stress in a healthy way and it becomes this uncontrolled part of life. Being intentional about our actions outside of work (or when no one is watching) and what we put into our bodies for fuel has a major impact on our overall stress levels.

Thank you for reading.