How To Beat Stress In 2021
So you were hoping that the turn of the calendar page to January and leaving 2020 in the dust would magically change things and your stress levels would be reduced, right? I am here to admit that I was hoping for the same!
As we are now almost half way through the month, your stress level may not be where you were hoping it would be for 2021. If this is you, I want to share with you my top tips for beating stress in 2021! The biggest thing to remember when reducing your stress is that you are going to have to start by looking inward.
Top Tips To Beat Stress In 2021:
Get out of your head! When your head is full, take some time to get everything out of your head and down on paper. Once you have it all on paper, categorize it into actionable items, and unactionable items. Then decide when you will take action on these items. Assign them a date.
Three Things: Take a few minutes each and every day to write down what you are grateful for. Just list 3-5 things and actually write them down. The simple act done regularly will bring a rush of thankfulness to you and will help you to start to see the blessings in life’s simple things.
Laugh! Not only does laughing produce a rush of endorphins, it also relaxes you! Did you know that laughing also increases your body's production of antibodies and T-cells that fight off disease and boost your immune system? Laughing is so good for you, so turn on your favorite comedy, call a friend or family member who makes you laugh, and connect - your body and stress level will thank you!
Oxygen!: When you are feeling stressed, your breathing tends to become shallow. Oxygen is often times the remedy to reducing your stress! Take some time - even if just for 30 seconds to take some deep breaths in, and long slow breaths out. This deliberate breathing method has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, ease insomnia, reduce stress and anxiety, as well as a whole host of other benefits for your body and mind.
Just do it!: Move your body! Just a simple walk around your neighborhood can improve your mood and boost your energy. Moving your body reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators.
So, living a life completely free of stress is not possible, but adding a few simple steps to your daily routine will help to dramatically reduce your stress and anxiety levels. Start with one new tip and set a reminder in your phone to try for this week. After you have successfully implemented one strategy, try to add another one in next week. With practice and mindfulness, you CAN reduce your stress levels!
Be safe, & be well!
XO,
Stephanie