WHAT ARE THE BEST STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES?

Experiencing stress is an inseparable part of our lives. While avoiding all stressful situations is an impossible goal, many people look for ways to manage stress and feel better. Here in this article, we present some reliable ways to combat stress.

Stress – illustrative photo. Image credit: Pixabay, free license

Why is it good for any person to manage stress?

Managing stress is an effective way to minimize its harmful effects, to maintain overall well-being and promote physical and mental health.

Chronic stress is linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity, anxiety, depression, and weakened immune function. By learning to manage stress effectively, individuals can reduce their risk of developing these conditions and promote longevity.

Stress management techniques help individuals cope with challenges more effectively, and maintain sharper cognitive skills. This, in turn, leads to enhanced productivity, and also boosts energy levels, improves sleep quality, and prevents burnout, leading to a healthier work-life balance.

What are the best stress management techniques?

Contrary to some beliefs, it is possible to manage stress, and it is possible to achieve this effectively.

In order to do this, people should combine different strategies instead of sticking to one particular technique.

Here below we list some of the most potential and proven ways to manage stress:

• Meditation is a good way to relieve stress fast. There are many different kinds of meditation practices, such as repeating mantras or practicing mindfulness. Noticing what sensations you experience here and now rescues you from the habit of rumination and worrying. Practicing deep breathing techniques or mindfulness meditation can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels. 

Meditation – illustrative photo. Image credit: Mohamed Hassan via Pixabay, free license

• You may also try progressive muscle relaxation. This practice involves tightening and relaxing all the muscles in your body, group by group. It lets you recognize the tension in your body and relax more easily.
• Taking a walk is another good way to get you into a different frame of mind. You may simply take a stroll in your office or find time for a longer walk in a park. In any case, walking is also an excellent type of exercise.
• Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or basically any other kind of sport can release endorphins and promote relaxation.

Yoga. Illustrative photo. Image credit:
Elina Fairytale via pexels.com, free license

• If you want to make changes that would promote resilience to stress in the long term, a good idea is to start by revising your diet. Eating a balanced diet will improve your energy balance and mood regulation. You may also consider taking some supplements, such as melatonin, ashwagandha, L-theanine, or B-group vitamins.
• Expressing gratitude is another superb way to remember all the resources you have to cope with stress. There are many ways to do that. For example, you may write down three things you’re grateful for in a gratitude journal. If you make gratitude a habit, stress levels in your life may decrease.
• Sometimes, however, the best way to manage stress is to reassess your to-do lists and personal routine. Reducing your workload and giving up some unnecessary tasks will make your life easier.
• Prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and managing time effectively can reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress.
• In general, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, seeking social support, and engaging in various mindfulness or relaxation techniques also helps reduce stress.