How to Reduce Stress Levels and Relax

What is Stress?

​Stress can be caused by a large number of events or anticipation of future events. Stress and anxiety can have disastrous health consequences, especially suffering from too much stress.  Stress can be caused due to relationships, family, work, money, etc. Money and finances are one of the leading causes of stress and at least 72% of adults feel stress due to money issues. Stress can have a negative impact on both your personal and professional lives.

What happens when you feel stressed? ​

Stress is real and it is a chemical reaction inside your body. When you body feels stress the hypothalamus in the brain reacts to this by producing adrenaline and cortisol. Both of these hormones effect your body by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Repeated stress will wear you down and even cause physical symptoms including fatigue, hair loss, acne, rashes, shaking, weight gain/loss, chest pain, frequent colds, dry month, insomnia, and many more.

How to Reduce Stress

Breathing: In times of stress focus on your breathing. When you find yourself in a panic slow breathing can help you return to the present moment and lower your stress levels. ​

Exercise: Working out is a great way to reduce stress. Exercising releases endorphins. Research has shown that just 40 minutes of physical activity will greatly increase your mood. ​

Focus on Positives: When things go wrong it is easy to get lost in stress but it is important to keep your mind on the silver lining. Take time each day to make a list of positive things and things you are grateful for. When you are feeling negative you can reference this list and remind yourself of the good things. ​

Acceptance: Reflex on your situation. It is easy to stress about things that you can not change. Accept that there are things you can not change ​

Environment: Be aware of your surroundings and how they effect your mood. The color of the walls, furniture arrangements, smells all can influence your mood. Create an environment that is relaxing, consider painting the walls a calming color of blue or green​

Friends: You should choose your friends wisely. Friends can be a stress reducer or the cause of your stress. ​The freinds you choose should be supportive and have a positive influance on our life. Ride your life of people that are negative and bring you down

Reflect: Take time to recognize when you are stressed and factors that can contribute to stress. Factors to reflect on include your quality of sleep along with sources of anger and frustration.

Yes: Don't always say "yes". Taking on too much responsibility than we can handle is a sure thing that will only bring you stress. Make sure you are accepting projects that you have time to commit too. Taking on too much can result in a loss of control​

Foods that reduce stress: ​

• Blueberries
• Turkey
• Avocado
• Salmon
• Nuts and seeds
• Leafy greens
• Dark chocolate

‍