Living a healthy lifestyle is often easier said than done, especially when stressors get in the way. Some stress is unavoidable, but when it becomes too much, chronic stress can limit your ability to function and result in negative effects on both your physical and mental health.
1. Take a break from screens.
Constantly checking the news or social media can be information overload at times, especially when bombarded with negative, stressful, and even alarming news stories. While it’s important to stay informed, try to give yourself a break from TV and your phone. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air instead- your body and your mind will thank you!
2. Try guided meditation.
Deep breathing exercises and mindfulness practices such as guided meditation are simple ways how to manage stress more effectively. These habits are good to add to your morning and evening routines to prepare for the day ahead and wind down afterward.
3. Get a good night’s sleep.
Figuring out how to sleep better starts with sticking to a regular sleep schedule and finding ways to encourage your body’s natural circadian rhythm. Avoiding caffeine and blue light from electronics are a couple of great first steps! Even simple changes like blackout curtains, a high-quality mattress, and comfortable bedding and pillows can do wonders for creating a calming environment.
4. Care for your body.
Taking care of your physical health by exercising and eating a balanced diet can do more for your stress levels than you might think. Daily movement promotes improved sleep, enhanced levels of dopamine in the brain, and lowered stress. Eating nutrient-dense foods high in essential vitamins and minerals will help fuel your body, provide you with energy, and give your brain a boost so it can work to cope with stress.
5. Give your mind time to unwind.
Just like taking care of your physical health, it’s vital to protect your mental health and employ strategies to deal with stress. Make time for hobbies you enjoy, create a wind-down routine, journal or meditate, and most importantly, recognize when it’s time to ask someone for help.
6. Connect with others.
Maintaining social connections is another great tip on how to manage stress. You will feel better when you talk to family and friends, and doing things with those you care about will go a long way in keeping your mind strong. We all want to feel a sense of community and belonging, a key part of the human experience that correlates with reducing stress and increasing happiness.
7. Take a stress support supplement.
Pure Tranquility is a great-tasting liquid supplement with ingredients GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and l-theanine to promote calm and support for stress without the side effect of drowsiness. Max Relax is a supplement in a convenient powder drink mix form. It also contains GABA and l-theanine, as well as taurine, to support the body’s natural stress response and promote a well-balanced emotional and physiological state. Finally, Stress B-Complex contains a blend of B vitamins, including B5 and B12, in addition to choline which promotes optimal cognitive function. It can help to increase energy production and fight stress-related fatigue.
These are just a few of our best tips on how to manage stress. Our pharmacy staff is dedicated to helping our community improve their health one step at a time, and we will do everything in our power to give you the tools you need to cope with everyday stress effectively. Reach out to us today to let us know how we can best help you!
