Even the calmest person, from time to time, will get some level of stress – the problem is we aren’t equipped to feel stressed all the time, and management of stress is a must.
Stress might be a feeling, but it has long-lasting impacts on us mentally and physically. People who have chronic stress are more likely to suffer from strokes, heart issues, and high blood pressure.
So here are some quick and effective tips to help manage your stress levels and keep you feeling cool, calm, and collected at all times.
Slow breathing
If you are pinched for time and can feel that dreaded stress or anxiety rising, then the fastest and one of the most effective ways to get rid of stress is to manage your breathing. Some people find it better to do slow controlled breathing, a big inhale for 4 seconds, holding it for 4, and releasing it for 4.
Tense up
If you have the time, tense up your whole body, starting from the fingers and toes, into the jaw, legs, and eventually stomach. Count to three and relax the muscles. The un tensing of the muscles will cause an instant wave of relaxation to flood your system.
You can do this a few times to get the full effect, but just once can help.
CBD
There are two big names in the market right now to help with stress reduction. Ashwagandha and CBD. With CBD, there is a lot of research backing its use, and there are many ways that you can add it into your daily routine. From a few quick drops under the tongue in the morning or as you need it through the day, or you can vape when needed with something like: https://www.cbdoilking.co.uk/shop/cbd-vape-pen
Cool hands
If you can sense anxiety or stress levels rising, then running your wrists and/or hands under the cold tape can help drop your temperature. With anxiety and stress, a warm flush can hit the body, and this can make people feel worse.
Dripping cold water on wrists or hands can help to cool you down and slow your heart rate.
Music
Music has a huge impact on our emotions; for example, if we feel a little sad, we might put on sad music and then have a good cry. Sometimes, depending on the reason for the stress, it is more important to let it out.
Other times you might be worked up and need to listen to something loud and bouncy. Create a playlist that you can use for either of these moods and sing and dance away the stress.
Alternatively, classical music is known to be very calming.
Taking steps to reduce your stress levels every day will help to keep your overall levels low, and the more you practice in low-stress situations – the better the techniques will work when you are in a high-stress situation.
If it is anxiety that is impacting you, then this is a great post about how CBT can help: CBT for anxiety – Thoughts on Life and Love.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
