8 Ways To Reduce Stress Today

You may feel like your life is spiraling out of control, leaving you no time to relax. And while it’s normal to experience occasional stress, the long-term effects of stress on your body and mind can be damaging in the long run. That’s why incorporating stress-reducing practices into your life can help prevent bigger problems from developing down the road.

Take a few minutes to consider these eight ways to reduce stress, presented by Sabrina Kirkland Acupuncture.

1. Get Plenty of Sleep
   You may not have a lot of control over your daily schedule, but you can make one small change that can drastically reduce your stress levels — start getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Not only are you likely to feel more alert and rested (as opposed to tired and grouchy) throughout your day, you can also better handle stressful situations when they arise.
2. Meditate
   You don’t have to meditate for hours at a time. Even five to 10 minutes of meditation each day can help your mind and body relax and reduce stress and anxiety. Set a daily alarm on your phone or computer, and make meditation a routine part of your day.
3. Eat Breakfast
   Skipping breakfast isn’t a good idea. Getting a healthy morning meal reduces stress, jump-starts your metabolism, and helps you feel full longer, making it less likely that you overindulge later in the day.
4. Exercise
   If you’re feeling stressed, don’t reach for that bottle of wine or stash of chocolate. Exercise is a great stress-reliever, and it doesn’t take much time — just 15 minutes can be enough. When you work out, you release endorphins, natural chemicals in your brain that elevate your mood and make you feel happier and more relaxed.
5. Take Some Me Time
   If you’re stressed, it’s best to take time for a relaxing me-time activity. Whether it’s listening to music, going for a long walk, or sitting down with friends and family members for an hour of good conversation, one of these activities can help reduce stress by putting life in perspective and refocusing your energy.
6. Try Natural Remedies
   Many herbal remedies, supplements, and alternative therapies are natural stress-reducers. Herbal teas, yoga, and acupuncture all have their place. Try them and see how you feel. You can also soak in an Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) bath or try supplementing your diet with magnesium daily. Magnesium is known to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
7. Create Positive Environments
   It’s crucial to have positive environments where you work and live to reach your goals. If family members are being negative and creating a bad environment, declutter your home, let in some fresh air, and change the mood to something positive.
8. Feel Confident
   It’s important to feel confident about your appearance. A lack of confidence can leave you feeling down. To get started, try looking through some online stores for clothes that make you happy, but read guides and reviews, check return policies, and compare prices before making a purchase.

Addressing and Managing Stress
Dealing with stress is crucial for overall health. Unchecked stress can lead to further problems, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and weight gain. Visit Sabrina Kirkland Acupuncture for help naturally treating stress in Westlake Village.

Author – Cheryl Conklin