How To Reduce Stress & Anxiety With A Daily Ritual

Are you dealing with a lot of emotional stress? Is it affecting you physically or mentally?

Even though stress is common, that doesn’t mean it is normal. There is a reason doctors ask if you are stressed – stress is closely linked to both your physical and emotional health.

One thing you can do to help reduce your stress is to start daily rituals or habits that are good for your mind and body. 

Focus on Getting Good Sleep

Sleep is an integral part of being a healthy, energized, and well-adjusted person. It can also deeply affect the amount of stress you have. If you already have a good deal of stress, not sleeping is only going to make it worse. It is possible that you are struggling to fall asleep or getting quality sleep because of your stress, which then causes sleep deprivation, more stress, and the cycle continues.

Stop the cycle now by first focusing on getting good sleep, whether that means shutting off your phone at night, starting a new nighttime routine, or trying natural sleep aids. That should hopefully help a little with reducing the daily stress you are dealing with.

Eat Nutritious Foods

You probably already know that having a healthy diet is important for weight management, reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke, and even keeping away diabetes. It can also be tremendously helpful for dealing with daily stress.

Daily stressors are generally out of our control, but you can reduce and manage the effects of common stressors by eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, healthy fats, and whole grains and fiber. A well-balanced diet provides the nutrients your body and mind need to handle stress as it comes. 

Go Outside Whenever You Can

Being outside is wonderful for your mind, body, and spirit. For your body, you will get both fresh air and vitamin D, both of which are really important to help reduce your stress levels. Being outside can bring you motivation and inspiration, help you relax and unwind, and give you the opportunity to be in nature and understand that the things you are stressed about are really not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things.

Eat outside during your lunch break, take your dogs on an extra walk, play in the backyard with your kids. There are so many ways to spend more time outdoors, and your stress will be naturally reduced each day as a result.

Trade in Your Coffee for Tea

Caffeine and stress can both elevate cortisol levels. High amounts of caffeine can lead to the negative health effects associated with prolonged elevated levels of cortisol (as in chronic stress). If you drink a lot of caffeine from coffee or soft drinks, you don’t have to give it up completely. Small to moderate amounts of caffeine can actually lift your mood and give you an energy boost. Try gradually replacing caffeinated beverages with low or no-caffeine beverages such as water, green tea, herbal tea.

Reduce Technology and Social Media

Have you ever noticed that your stress is worse on days when you spend a lot of time on Instagram or Facebook? This is because social media doesn’t always share good news. Many times, it causes stress whether from the latest tragedy, political or religion debates, or general drama with people in your life.

Social media can be really toxic, and doesn’t help someone who is already dealing with a good deal of stress. Now is the perfect time to start cutting back on using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any other social media sites you frequent.

Develop a Self-Care Routine

Self-care is amazing for you and can really help you to relax each day. If you have a lot of stress at work or home, give yourself a few minutes every day that are just for you. Listen to calming music, meditate, practice mindfulness, write in your journal, draw or paint, take a bath, or just do anything that relaxes you and helps you feel at peace.

Stress and anxiety may come up in your personal life and workplace but there are simple techniques to help you reduce the pressure. Different techniques work for different people - find what works for you and make it a priority to include those rituals in your daily life!