9 Great Ways to Relieve your Stress Levels Long Term
Posted on 01 October 2018
Stress can negatively impact your health in multiple ways. That is why it is important for each of us to find effective ways to manage stress. Since we are all unique, we must find approaches that work best for us. Sometimes, this can involve trial and error. It’s also important to note that you want to find ways to relieve your stress levels long-term as opposed to short-term. Let’s look at some of the best known methods to help relieve stress.
1. Meditation
Meditation is an ancient and effective practice that has been confirmed by scientific studies to be greatly beneficial for our health. It is the practice of contemplating your thoughts while also getting a clear mind. In a study from John Hopkins University, it was clarified that meditation does wonders for your stress levels. Meditation is best when practiced every day or a few times a week. It takes time to learn how to meditate, however, the outcome is really worthwhile.
2. Breathing Exercises
Most of us are shallow breathers and we don’t pay too much attention to our breath. There are several different deep breathing techniques that you can learn. Breathing exercises are very useful when you are experiencing an instant trigger of stress, such as rapid heart rate, racing thoughts or panic attacks. In these situations, practicing taking constant deep breaths can help you manage uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms. Deep breathing is overall one of the most relaxing ways to relieve your stress levels long-term.
3. Exercise
Research shows us over and over that physical exercise is one of the best ways to relieve your stress levels long-term. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which are neurotransmitters that make us feel happy and even euphoric at times. Exercising regularly has been proven to increase the mind’s resistance to anxiety, according to a study from Princeton University. You should try to experiment with different types of exercise to find out what you enjoy most. Many forms of exercise take time to master, such as yoga or dance. So, give yourself at least 10-12 classes to build up your skills before deciding whether to stop.
4. Spend Time in Nature
Spending time outdoors can help you to feel relaxed and relieve worrisome thoughts. Your nervous system will benefit. One study found that walking in the park is better for reducing stress levels compared to reading or listening to music. Spending time in nature surrounded by the beautiful sights, sounds and scents of plants, water and wildlife has also been shown to support our mental health.
4. Laugh Out Loud
Laughing is one of the easiest ways to relieve your stress levels long-term. Laughter does wonders for stress relief and our mental health. Laughing releases endorphins much like exercise, which can result in the opposite effects of stress and completely change your mood and outlook on your situation. In addition to watching or listening to comedy shows, there are even laughter classes you can sign up for.
5. Practice Gratitude
Studies have shown that thinking about and noting the many things you are grateful for in your life can help train your brain to look on the bright side. When you focus on the things that are positive in your life, you can overcome stressful situations far more easily. One way to practice gratitude is to write out a list of people, places and things in your life that you are grateful for and then review the list each morning or each evening before you go to sleep.
6. Write Out Your Feelings
Being open with your feelings is the most personal ways to relieve your stress levels long-term. Writing down your feelings about situations you find stressful can help you better understand them, process a variety of situations and generally feel more calm. You could even set aside “worry time” where you write out all of your worries at a scheduled time each day and then put them aside and focus on other things.
7. Get Better Quality Sleep
A lack of sleep or quality of sleep (restorative sleep) increases our stress levels, alters our hormones and can give us all kinds of ill feelings. Getting 8 hours or more of quality sleep per night can help you feel better, be more productive, improve your health and lower your stress levels. The best way to get more sleep is to go to bed earlier at night.
8. Spend Time with Those You Love
Spending time with family, friends and pets you love can provide you with emotional support and help relieve stress. You should also avoid spending time with people who bring you down or trigger negative emotions. Those with fewer social connections are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
9. Regular Sauna Use
Last but not least, using a sauna regularly is hands down one of the BEST ways to relieve your stress levels long-term. The benefits of using the sauna are endless. The warm sauna temperatures and the cool-down cycle of a sauna can help relax your muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Sauna use can also help relieve sore muscles and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, asthma, physical and mental fatigue. Your nervous system will benefit as well as the sauna helps to slow everything down. Saunafin is an excellent supplier of a wide range of saunas in Ontario and customer service is always their first priority. We take extra care of each and every one of our customers. With the largest selection of saunas (and pricing for all budgets) for any type of home or cottage, Saunafin is definitely the place to go!
Although stress is inevitable as our lives are so fast paced, there are many different ways to relieve and manage it. From proper sleep to exercise to sauna use, you need to find out what tools belong in your toolbox. Saunas relieve stress and is perhaps one of your best options. Not only do they help relieve stress levels, but they offer many other health benefits as well!