STRESS MANAGEMENT HABITS FOR A HEALTHEIR MIND

In today's fast life, stress has become an invisible friend in every life. Either deadlines in office or domestic commitments or any unexpected issues, stress always arrives uninvited. For some, it is dealt with like a daily chore, but when stress heaps up too much, it becomes a concern for our mind as well as body.

It is not a matter of eliminating stress in any form. It is coping with it in a better manner. As the renowned writer Hans Selye used to say, "It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it." The reality is that we cannot deal with everything that surrounds us, but with what we respond to it, yes, we can. Healthy mind is the secret of a blissful life. The great news is that with little daily routines, we can sync and strengthen our mind. Let us discuss some easy methods of creating a stress-free and balanced life.

1. Begin Your Day in Peace

The way we begin the morning determines the tone of the day. Everyone tends to start by rushing, scanning phones, or dreading the day's task. Do the opposite instead. Try to begin your day in a slow manner. Stretch for a few minutes, breathe, or sit quietly. You can begin in thankfulness. Name three things you are thankful for. It is small, but this habit has the power to turn your mind to peace rather than worry. Peaceful mornings usher in soothing energy that persists throughout the day.

2. Breathe and Unwind

Our breathing is the middle ground between body and mind. Tense, our breathing quickens and becomes shallow. Some slow, deep breaths can calm the hurried mind. Close your eyes, slowly breathe in through your nose, hold for a second, then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Do that several times. It is an easy thing to do that says to your body, "Relax," and to your mind, "You are safe." You can do it anywhere: at the office, in the traffic jam, or even in bed. Deep breathing is probably one of the easiest but also one of the most powerful ways to decrease stress instantly.

3. Move Your Body Every Day

Exercise isn't just about getting fit; it is also an excellent means of stress coping. When you exercise your body, you release natural chemicals that leave you feeling like you are on top of the world. Pump weights aren't necessary. A walk in the park, dancing to your song, yoga, or even simple stretching can be a huge difference. Attempt to incorporate movement into your daily life. When you feel your body move, your mind also changes in the good direction. As the proverb goes, “When you move your body, you move your mood.”

4. Eat well and drink plenty of water

Food has a big impact on the way we feel. When we feel stressed, people eat bad foods or sweets hoping that it will make them feel better. But unhealthy food gives us a temporary feeling of relief and leaves the body tired afterwards. Eat plain, fresh food — vegetables, fruits, grain, and nuts. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Good diet makes your body strong and your mind peaceful. Keep in mind, you don't need to eat less, you need to eat better. Feed yourself from the inside out, and your stress will automatically begin to diminish.

5. Sleep a lot

Sleep may be the best stress medicine. When we sleep, our body and mind heal. But if not, everything is more complicated tomorrow. Attempt to go to sleep and rise at the same hour daily. Do not look at screens prior to bedtime because they get your brain fired up. Instead, read a book or listen to gentle music. As the Dalai Lama would instruct, "Sleep is the best meditation." A good night's sleep refreshes you and a clear mind so that you can face the coming day.

6. Relate to People

Sometimes stress is heavier because we tend to carry it all by ourselves. You can feel lighter if you speak about it with someone you trust. It might be a friend, a family member, or even a colleague. Spending time with the ones you love, laughing and joking together, or just talking about how you feel relaxes your mind. Human touch is a natural stress-reliever. You feel more capable of handling life's challenges when you know you have someone with your back. Don't forget, you don't need to do it alone. We've all experienced stress — it's simply a matter of knowing how to let go and share.

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7. Practice Mindfulness

Being mindful is living in the moment. Most of our stress is worrying about things in the future or dwelling on things in the past. Mindfulness reminds you of the now — the only time that ever truly exists. You can practice being mindful while walking, eating or having tea. Just pay attention to what you are doing. Listen for the sounds, smell the odors, and feel the sensations that are present around you. As days go by, anxiety is lessened and your thoughts become clearer. You are able to visualize problems in your mind without being drowned by them.

8. Spend Time in Nature

Nature has a soothing power to quiet our minds. Birds' chirp, blowing of wind, or observation of green leaves can soothe an upset mind. Take a walk around the park or just stand beside your window and observe the sky. A couple of minutes of nature is enough to revive your soul. As John Muir so eloquently put it, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." Nature brings us back to reality and reminds us that peace is not lost: it's just out there, waiting for us to take a moment to see.

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9. Set Boundaries and Take Breaks

We usually get stressed because we do everything at the same time. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Learn when to say no when you have a full plate. Have breaks in the middle of the day. Resting is not lost time but it is a self-care activity. Having boundaries in the workplace and with people keeps you calm and energized. When you recharge, you return more powerful and focused.

10. Do What Makes You Happy

Life is not all about duties and responsibilities. Small things in life can mend your mind and smile again in your day. Read a book, paint a little, cook dinner, play around in the garden, listen to some of your favorite music, or just do something that puts a smile on your face. People seem to forget that it is the little things in life that make happiness big. What you do that you love gives your mind space to breathe and reminds you that stress isn't your life.