4 mindful ways to manage stress
Feeling stressed? These mindful stress management strategies can help.
Stress can be overwhelming and if you're not careful, will have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing if not managed well.
But while we know that stress isn't good for us, our often hectic schedules can mean we don't always have total control over our stress levels.
In recognition of National Stress Awareness Day, which takes place on 02 November, here we run through four effective stress management strategies using mindfulness.
1. Breathe in… and out
You might be surprised just how much more relaxed you are after a few deep breaths. If you notice your stress levels rising, take a couple of minutes to breathe mindfully. In through the nose, out through the mouth. The real beauty of mindful breathing is you can practice it anywhere – on your commute, at your desk or while queuing at the Post Office. Try it next time the line is moving slowly.
2. Exercise
Don't worry; we're not suggesting you need to slog it out in the gym for two hours every day in order to lower stress levels (unless that's your thing, in which case, go for it). Just pick an activity that requires you to move your body. Go for a walk outside at lunchtime, attend a gentle yoga session or take up weightlifting. Exercise decreases stress hormones and gives you an endorphin boost, which have long been proven to boost your mood.
3. Write
It can be beneficial to write down your annoyances, read through them and get rid of the list. In deleting the list, you are letting go of the negative feelings associated with it. Alternatively, keep a mindful journal; it will keep your mindfulness practice on-track and you should find the parts of your life that are challenging will become easier.
Stress can be overwhelming and if you're not careful, will have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing if not managed well.
But while we know that stress isn't good for us, our often hectic schedules can mean we don't always have total control over our stress levels.
In recognition of National Stress Awareness Day, which takes place on 02 November, here we run through four effective stress management strategies using mindfulness.
1. Breathe in… and out
You might be surprised just how much more relaxed you are after a few deep breaths. If you notice your stress levels rising, take a couple of minutes to breathe mindfully. In through the nose, out through the mouth. The real beauty of mindful breathing is you can practice it anywhere – on your commute, at your desk or while queuing at the Post Office. Try it next time the line is moving slowly.
2. Exercise
Don't worry; we're not suggesting you need to slog it out in the gym for two hours every day in order to lower stress levels (unless that's your thing, in which case, go for it). Just pick an activity that requires you to move your body. Go for a walk outside at lunchtime, attend a gentle yoga session or take up weightlifting. Exercise decreases stress hormones and gives you an endorphin boost, which have long been proven to boost your mood.
3. Write
It can be beneficial to write down your annoyances, read through them and get rid of the list. In deleting the list, you are letting go of the negative feelings associated with it. Alternatively, keep a mindful journal; it will keep your mindfulness practice on-track and you should find the parts of your life that are challenging will become easier.
4. Choose to see the positive
Ah, positive thinking? If it was so easy, everybody would be doing it, wouldn't they? Well, it is possible to adopt the power of positive thinking – and stick to it. Practice positive affirmations such as 'I can handle whatever comes my way' and 'I can overcome this challenge'. Regularly repeat these affirmations and you'll begin to notice you are more positive and are able to better deal with more stressful situations.
How do you manage stress? We'd love to hear your thoughts; simply head on over to Facebook or Twitter to have your say.
Ah, positive thinking? If it was so easy, everybody would be doing it, wouldn't they? Well, it is possible to adopt the power of positive thinking – and stick to it. Practice positive affirmations such as 'I can handle whatever comes my way' and 'I can overcome this challenge'. Regularly repeat these affirmations and you'll begin to notice you are more positive and are able to better deal with more stressful situations.
How do you manage stress? We'd love to hear your thoughts; simply head on over to Facebook or Twitter to have your say.
