Stress happens to all of us, it’s impossible to avoid. Reducing stress doesn’t mean getting rid of stress altogether – it’s unavoidable. Instead, it’s essential that we learn how to manage our stress as situations occur to maintain a healthy and happy life. Incorporating small, mindful habits into your routine can greatly reduce tension – helping clear the way for more peace.
Here are 10 habits that help keep you calm and reduce stress:
1. Start with Morning Stretches:
Light stretching upon waking can energize your body and reduce tension. Try to focus on gentle movements that loosen up any tight areas such as the neck, shoulders, hips, wrists, and ankles.
2. Hydration Check:
Drink water early to kick-start metabolism and refresh your system.
For days when water just doesn’t quench your thirst, you might want to try adding electrolytes to get a boost of hydration your body craves.
3. Daily Meditation
Spend 10 minutes focusing on breathing or guided visualization. This helps calm your mind and spirit while nurturing your nervous system. You may find that with regular practice, you are able to think more clearly throughout the day, or that your memory has improved.
Need help? Check out our guide on meditation.
4. Tech-free Time
Dedicate 30 minutes to disconnect from screens and unwind. This means no planning, no lists, no “getting something done”.
5. Journaling
Not sure how to start? We recommend starting small. There is no wrong way to do this – journaling is simply a tool for you to express emotions, thoughts, ideas in a safe space. Imagine if your hands are full, it’s hard to pick up anything else. If you write something in a journal, it’s as if you’ve put something down in order to clear space to pick something else up.
Here’s a beautiful journal to get you inspired.
6. Walks in Nature, or just outside
A brief stroll in green spaces can calm your mind. If that’s not possible, try just a walk around the neighborhood – enjoy the air around you, plants, or flowers.
7. Schedule Breaks
Practice the Pomodoro technique for balanced productivity. The method essentially boils down to this: after 25 minutes of focused and dedicated work, take a 2-5 minute break. After 4 “pomodoros”, or about 1 hour of focused work, take a longer 15 minute break. The idea being, these little breaks help you stay more productive and engaged in the long-run.
8. Balanced Meals
Incorporate stress-relieving foods like salmon and leafy greens. This doesn’t mean you have to cut out everything you love – just consider the bigger picture. Overall, it should be balanced and nutritious.
9. Limit Caffeine Intake
Substitute an afternoon coffee with herbal tea to avoid the jitters that can make you feel nervous, anxious, or scattered.
10. Evening Wind-down
Turn off bright screens an hour before bedtime for better sleep. Try dimming the lights or changing the tone of your lamps.
See our favorite light bulbs and lamps that help achieve the perfect ambiance.
These habits can be incorporated into our daily routines to help us explore healthier outlets to lessen the stress we feel, even as things may be stressful around us. To learn more about how stress affects your health, click here.
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