There are more sources of stress in our day to day lives than ever before. When the day to day stresses that we are exposed to become too much to deal with, our emotional and physical health suffers. The simple realization that stress is affecting us can induce stress in itself and these feelings can rapidly snowball and become uncontrollable.
Dealing with stress often seems like a huge undertaking, but noticeable results can be achieved by making some simple and relatively minor changes to our lives.
Sort Out Your Sleep Schedule
Numerous studies have established a strong connection between a lack of sleep and poor overall mental functioning. This decreased functioning can rapidly develop into a mood or anxiety disorder if left untreated, so clearly it is important not to let sleep deprivation build up.
The effects of sleep deprivation are cumulative, this means that each night that you don’t get sufficient sleep adds on to the negative effects of the last nights poor sleep. The occasional bad night’s sleep won’t matter, any short-term effects will be gone after the next sleep.
In the long term, though you should try and establish a sleep schedule and stick to it. By following a routine and going to sleep at the same time every night, you will soon train your body and brain to begin the process of sending you to sleep at the same time every evening and consequently you will find it much easier to get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis.
Prayer and Focus
Prayer and focus have been shown to have numerous positive effects in both the short and long term in a number of different areas. Mindfulness is becoming an increasingly common and recognized tool for helping individuals to manage their mental health and is commonly being used alongside therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and related behavioral therapies.
There are a number of online guides and books available which can teach you the basics of mindfulness and meditation. Both skills require practice and dedication to attain benefits, but they both have the power to completely change people’s outlook and emotions for the better.
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that certain people might be more susceptible to placing undue amounts of stress on themselves and potentially jeopardizing their physical health as a result. Check out this guide from Examined Existence for some quotes designed to inspire happiness, these will make good mantras for meditation.
Socialize
Maintaining a healthy social life is essential for maintaining good overall mental health, so it is important that you take the opportunity to get outside and be around other people. Being outside and getting exercise regularly are both effective ways in keeping our stress levels low.
Making just a few simple changes to our routines and general outlook can have dramatic effects on our overall health. We often underestimate just how much of an effect excessive stress can have on our physical as well as emotional health. Given how easy it is to take the first steps necessary to start reducing the amount of stress in our lives, as well as the potential gains to be had, there really is no reason not to start taking steps to reduce stress in your life today.
Photo by Vladislav Muslakov
Mavian Arocha-Rowe
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