3 Easy Ways to Better Manage Your Stress

Your health is the most valuable asset you have.

Being healthy is absolutely foundational to living a good life. Your health influences everything you do.

Whether you’re trying to work harder, get more done, enjoy your life on a deeper level, or push your body to its limits, being healthy is going to be a critical component of tackling your goals.

But being healthy isn’t always easy, especially in our modern environments. We are constantly surrounded by new stimuli and conveniences that can take a serious toll on our physical and mental well-being.

One of the biggest negative consequences of the modern world is that we are extremely stressed out. We are overstimulated, overworked, and under-recovered from our incredibly packed schedules.

But while you may not be able to directly change your environment in a broad, sweeping sense, there are still plenty of ways you can improve your health.

If you’re health-conscious, you’re probably already aware that working out regularly, eating healthy food, and generally taking care of yourself are great ways to boost your health and longevity.

Far less common in our society is proper stress management.

Stress can drain your mental and physical health at an alarming rate. It can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, and even cause physical health problems like heart disease.

That’s why it’s so important that you pay attention to your stress levels. While it may seem overwhelming to add another concern to the list of things you monitor, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are three easy ways to reduce your stress levels.

1. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is crucial to our ability to function. It restores our neurotransmitters and allows our bodies a chance to rest and recover from the day’s physical endeavors.

Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a society that often glorifies running on insufficient amounts of sleep. People brag about how they don’t have time to sleep because they’re so busy.

Lack of sleep seriously impacts your stress. It raises the amount of stress hormones in your body and makes it harder for you to get your work done, further increasing stress.

Simply making sure you get enough sleep is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress. As a bonus, you’ll probably experience more cognitive clarity and a better mood.

2. Incorporate Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the simple act of being present with the task at hand.

Mindfulness at work has been shown to boost productivity while reducing the subjective amount of stress you feel.

This lets you get more done in the same amount of time while also helping you feel calmer and avoid the negative health consequences of stress.

A simple way to start being more mindful is to practice a brief meditation in the morning and at night. This will help you stay grounded and reduce your stress levels.

3. Take Breaks

Working for long periods can seriously wear you down. Humans need breaks, whether we want to admit it or not.

This applies to both the short and long term.

Taking breaks throughout the day keeps you from getting overwhelmed while also giving your brain a chance to recuperate and refocus.

In a more long-term sense, vacations can help you reset your stress and avoid burnout.

Try to prioritize taking short breaks throughout the day, and make sure you use your vacation time. Even if you just stay home, the break will do you go.