1. Lace Up Your Sneakers
Sometimes stressful situations can't be avoided, but that doesn't mean you don't have power over your levels of stress. If you can't outright avoid stress in your life because of your job or your family, an excellent solution is to work it off through exercise. In addition to helping you stay healthy, exercise releases stress by giving it an outlet. Exercise roughly 30 minutes a day at least two to three times per week (more if you're trying to relieve stress and lose weight at the same time) and you'll notice a decrease in muscle tension as well as marked drowsiness at night when it's time to go to bed. A healthy exercise regimen will also help alleviate other ailments such as high blood pressure, which you may be suffering from as a result of stress. For extra ammunition against stress, couple your workout with time spent in nature. If you don't have hiking trails or bike paths near your home, a residential area will do fine. Take time to enjoy the fresh air and the different shapes, colors and smells of the plant life you pass. Just getting outside for a few minutes each day can help to keep your moods and temper in check, allowing you deal more easily with stressful situations when they arise.
2. Steer Clear of Caffeine and Other Stimulants
You may think you're doing yourself a favor in the morning by perking up with a cup of coffee. The reality, however, is that you're likely contributing to your stress levels throughout the day. Caffeine is a stimulant, and has been linked to elevated blood pressure levels in some adults. As a result, your stress level rises as the caffeine goes to work on your alertness, sometimes for as long as eight to 12 hours at a time.
3. Indulge in Sleep
Lack of sleep can contribute to a very vicious cycle. If we don't get enough sleep, we are tired throughout the day and lack the productivity we need to get everything done. Day after day without adequate sleep can lead you to find deadlines closing in, contributing to your stress levels. You try to cram and catch up, but you're still fatigued, and so the cycle continues. The generally accepted average sleep requirement for adults is eight hours, but this can vary from person to person. The idea is to wake up feeling fresh and refreshed. If you're not feeling refreshed when you get up in the morning, start going to bed earlier until you do so. In addition, consider speaking to a physician about prescription sleep aids, or try over-the-counter sleep aids such as melatonin.
