Here at the Making Time Blog, stress management is of the utmost importance. I’ve written many posts about managing your stress before your stress manages you. Today, I wanted to do something different. Rather than a text heavy post with a few pictures, this will be a picture heavy post with a few lines of text.
This post will cover 10 of the essentials when it comes to management of your stress so that you may have a happy and productive life. Let’s get started!
Sleep
Sleep helps rejuvenate us. The body uses this time to repair itself, so sleep is vital to our wellbeing. When you’ve had a good night’s sleep, it’s easier to deal with the stresses of the day.
Hobbies
Hobbies allow you to explore your creative side. You learn, have fun doing it and depending on the hobby, have something wonderful to display. Tapping into those things that give you pleasure, lessens your stress.
Water
As humans, our bodies are a high concentration of water. It is in every cell and helps our body function as its best.
Nutrition
Eating good helps you feel good which gives you the energy you need to take on your daily stress.
Movement
Use it or lose it! Movement helps you shake off the cobwebs and the stress walking, dancing or other forms of exercise help you relieve tension which decreases stress.
Laughter
True laughter comes from the soul. When you’re laughing, you release endorphins which is another way of releasing stress.
Family/Friends
There’s nothing better than being surrounded by those who love and care for you. Whether that’s the family you’re born into or the family that you choose.
Nature
Even if you’re a city gal like me, it’s important to spend time in nature when you can. Nature is restorative and helps you tap into your inner peace.
Pets
I’m a firm believer in the phrase, “pets are people too!” They add pleasure and joy to life and there have been countless studies that have shown that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure which contributes to the lessening of stress.
Expressive Outlet – journaling, singing, drawing, talking, etc.
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a creative person, you need to have some kind of outlet for your feelings. Whatever method you feel most comfortable with is the one that you should choose.
So there you have it! My top 10 essentials for stress management. Pick one and go from there. It’s all about Making Time.
Let’s talk, what is your top method for relieving your stress? Let me know in the comments section.
Laughter Photo by Lidya Nada on Unsplash
Cassandra Martin-Himmons is a trainer, wellness coach and consultant who believes in empowering her clients and providing the tools that they need to make positive changes in their lives to manage their stress and increase their self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys papercrafting, volunteering and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn