Managing stress is a challenge for everyone during these hectic times. With recent technological advances, it becomes harder to find respite from the demands placed upon us. Here are some tips on how to manage stress. For more detailed information on how to manage stress, put the following practices into your life, find work/life balance, or to set up any personal goal, visit http://terrievanover.com to reserve personal coaching sessions. The first 30-minute consultation session is free.
4 Easy Steps to Manage Stress:
- Unplug. The first way to “recharge your batteries” is to disconnect! That’s right—in order for you to find some peace, make it a daily habit to put away the phones and computers. Make it a rule that there is no technology during dinnertime. Enjoy these quiet moments just talking with your family. Take some time afterwards to have some time to yourself not checking emails, Facebook, etc. Carve out a time each day where you have no access to “screens”.
- Exercise consistently. Although finding time to do this is difficult, it is crucial for your physical AND mental well-being. Find a time four days a week to workout. Make it something you ENJOY doing so you’ll look forward to it. If you enjoy basketball, join a league. If you enjoy yoga, do it. If you like the outdoors, take up running or hiking. Find a person to hold you accountable. Studies show that if you have an exercise partner or someone that you report to, you’re more likely to stick to your routine.
- Meditate. Though this seemingly mysterious activity has scientifically based evidence that it has numerous health benefits, few Americans practice it. But it is surprisingly easy and beneficial if you will take a few minutes a day to learn it. Some benefits include stress reduction, increased concentration, an increased self-awareness, improved immunity, and it helps to slow the aging process. By meditating and reducing stress, studies show that cognition is preserved. If you feel intimidated by the process, download an app to help guide you. I use “Headspace” and “Guided Meditations” from the Meditation Society of Australia.
- Monitor your sleep. Use your Fitbit to help you track your sleep. Getting enough rest will help your brain to fight stress. According to researchers at Harvard, sleep is key to our brain’s memory and ability to learn. Sleep helps you fight stress, regulates your metabolism, and helps ward off diseases. Turn off all technology 30 minutes prior to going to bed to give your brain a rest from the blue light given off from LED screens. Read a book (Yes, an actual book made from trees!) to help you unwind and get your mind off of the day’s worries. Then, try to get at least seven hours a night.
Visit terrievanover.com to learn more about how to implement exercise and meditation into your daily life, how to manage stress, find work/life balance, or to set up personal goals. The first 30-minute consultation session is free, and could be the first step you take to changing your life!