Destressing For Better Mental Health: Self-Help Hacks
A 2023 study revealed that over 50% of American women experience stress daily. Stress is a natural human state. It can have a positive impact, but often, it affects us negatively. Mild stress can spiral into more severe problems. Learning to manage stress is beneficial for mental and physical health. In this guide, we’ll outline some effective self-help hacks to help you de-stress.
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Exercise daily
Daily exercise is one of the best ways to prevent and overcome stress. Moving your body not only releases endorphins and causes the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain to increase but it also provides a welcome distraction from stressors. Exercise can also help you express yourself and channel emotions, such as anger or frustration, constructively. It’s advantageous to incorporate physical activity into your everyday routine. Even if you only have 15 minutes free, you can make a positive difference to your mental and physical health. Go for a walk, do a quick HIIT workout, take your bike out or practice some yoga or Pilates moves. Ideally, everyone should do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Being more active will also make you feel more energetic and it can reduce the risk of sleep troubles.
Prioritize sleep
Getting enough rest is crucial if you’re prone to stress or burnout. Your body needs sleep to recover and recharge. While you sleep, your body undergoes critical restorative processes. If you’re tired, even the smallest things can make you feel angry, irritable or uneasy. Prioritizing sleep is an excellent way to combat stress, improve your mood and elevate your energy levels.
Many people who experience sleep troubles have difficulty getting to sleep. If you feel tired but you can’t sleep, adjust your evening routine. Give yourself time to unwind and relax. Read, have a bath, listen to soothing music and avoid anything that stimulates you or makes you feel stressed. If you find it hard to switch off, exploring options like trying CBD gummies may help. CBD products can ease stress, make you feel calmer and improve sleep quality. If you have any questions about what to buy or whether CBD is a good fit for you, speak to a medical professional. Try to avoid taking phones, tablets and laptops to bed with you and set a daily bedtime. Getting into a consistent routine can be incredibly beneficial. Experts recommend 6-8 hours of sleep per night for adults.
Spend time outside
Spending time outside and being in nature are proven to boost mental well-being. Getting fresh air, exercising and surrounding yourself with trees, plants, and flowers can lift your mood and help you feel less stressed. Try to get outside every day. If you live in a city or the center of a town, walk to a park or plan trips to nature reserves, national parks, forests, lakes or urban green spaces in the region. Make the most of your weekends by exploring natural environments.
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Stress can impact both your physical and mental health. Learning to manage stress and being proactive in protecting your mental well-being are beneficial. Hacks to try today include exercising daily, establishing a sleep routine, making time for rest and relaxation, finding ways to express and channel your emotions, and spending more time outside.
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