How to manage stress

Stress is a natural physical reaction, in which our body feels like it is in danger and starts helping us get prepared for action by releasing a complex mix of hormones such as Cortisol and Adrenaline. This body reaction is, of course, beneficial, but it can get out of control and get excessive, which can negatively affect our emotions, make us lose concentration ability, dangerously raise our blood pressure or give us annoying chest pain and headaches etc.

What we mean by managing stress, is actually taking control of this physical response and making sure it will stay under the limits. Here are the most efficient ways to start managing stress and taking charge of your emotions and thoughts.

Anti-stress diet

To protect your body from the negative effects of stress, and to relieve your bad feelings, eating foods rich in carbohydrates and trace elements, especially magnesium and lithium, is proven to be effective. You need to eat more fruits, grains (rich in lithium) and starchy foods like pasta, rice, and cornmeal… and add to that some extra foods especially rich in magnesium such as spinach, Avocado, almonds, and chocolate.

Physical activity

To be immune to stress negative effects, you will need to integrate physical activity into your lifestyle. Even short time activities like walking to the grocery, using the stairs, taking your dog for a walk, can be very beneficial. And to do things the right way, you’ll have to add regular exercises to your daily schedule, like walking, running, dancing, aerobic exercises or martial arts etc.

Drinking water

Studies have shown that dehydration can increase your Cortisol levels. So to relieve stress you need to keep hydrated. Most of the people suffering from stress are not “water drinkers”, they even forget to drink water. So from now on, try to adopt the habit of keeping a bottle of water around you, and regularly take some sips even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Watch this amazing animated video about the importance of water, and what would happen to you if you stay dehydrated.

Avoid stressing environment and people

You have problems in work, a project deadline is approaching and you still have many things to do, family responsibilities … all those things are stressing you out, so why making it even worse by adding unnecessary stress? you have to identify the stressors you can eliminate from your life and make things easier for you.

For example, if traffic makes you edgy, just take a less-traveled route even if it is longer. And if a friend of yours is so negative and always making you stress out, spend less time with that person, or make an end to your relationship. How to spot toxic people

Don’t say yes all the time

You have to take into consideration your capacity limits and your feelings about things. Stop saying yes to everything and take extra responsibilities on your shoulders or do things you don’t like to do. You have to say No with no regrets when you need to.