If you’re embracing the motto “New Year, New You” in 2020, you’ll want to start with learning how to reduce the stress in your life. It’s estimated that fifty-five percent of Americans are stressed out on a daily basis, which is much higher than the world’s average of thirty-five percent. The good news is there are several steps you can take to calm down and reduce stress in your life, starting with these tips.
- Get more sleep. When you lack a sufficient amount of sleep, your entire body can suffer- both physically and mentally. The body needs sleep to function properly. In order to make your shut-eye count the most, perfect your bedtime routine. Avoid exposure to blue-light prior to bed, which can stimulate the brain and make it harder to fall asleep. Make your bed just for sleeping and relaxing, not for working. You can also try using a weighted blanket, which has been shown to reduce anxiety by allowing you to get a more restful sleep.
- Make what you put into your body count. Some supplements and drinks claim they can reduce stress and anxiety, but only a few are actually proven to work. Magnesium is one vitamin that has the scientific backing behind it to prove that it reduces anxiety and stress. Black tea is another thing you can consume which reduces anxiety by lowering the cortisol levels in the body.
- Surround yourself with relaxing sounds and aromas. Lavender is one essential oil that has been known to reduce stress. Music is good for the soul, making it an obvious choice to lower anxiety. Playing soothing music before bed, at work, or anywhere else you’re feeling stressed can really calm your mood. When you combine essential oils and soothing music with exercise like yoga- a workout that has been known to alleviate stress- and you’ve got the perfect combination to calm your worries.
- When in doubt, talk it out. Expressing how you feel- whether it be good or bad- can help reduce stress. Simply putting words to your feelings can make you feel much lighter. Try replacing your complaints with gratitude and see how much positivity enters your life.