Tips on how to reduce stress naturally
Deal with stress in a more natural way.
South Africans are known for working hard spending long hours at work under high-stress levels. Being an active member of society, contributing to the economy, running errands and caring for a family can be stressful hard work. But excessive, chronic and poorly managed stress can be unhealthy.
“As we experience the ups and downs of everyday life or whenever there is a major change in our lives, stress occurs.
The key lies in cultivating a positive attitude towards stress and finding ways to recognise and manage it effectively,” says Heart and Stroke Foundation SA.
Everyone handles stress differently – they might show symptoms right off the bat or hide it quite well.
Factors of everyday life that contribute and/or worsen stress levels include:
– Eating unhealthily
– Smoking
– Skipping meals
– Drinking alcohol
– Finances
– Being overwhelmed
– A lack of sleep
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According to the foundation, there are better and more natural ways of managing stress than medicating right away.
1. A good and healthy diet “Certain nutrients are used up more rapidly when a person is under stress. Vitamins like vitamin B are essential for a healthy central nervous system as well as vitamin C and zinc which are essential to the immune system.”
2. The power of no Learn to say no if you are feeling overwhelmed.
3. The importance of laughter According to the foundation, laughing is the body’s natural stress-release mechanism.
4. Get a nice hobby “Do something you enjoy. Set aside some time for proper relaxation.”
5. Start exercising “Physical activity is an excellent stress-reliever because it provides a distraction, the release of mood-enhancing endorphins and provides an outlet for frustration. It also increases long-term resilience to stress.”
6. Get enough sleep A regular, healthy adult requires between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.
7. Get rid of bad habits Cut out all bad habits from your life like smoking, consuming alcohol of unhealthy eating habits.
8. Speak to someone your trust If you are having trouble coping with stress, consider talking to either a friend, family member, social worker or psychologist.
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