How to Manage and Reduce Stress

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Are you feeling irritable? Anxious? Unable to relax? You are probably stressed, and you are not alone. 

The WHO describes stress as “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation,” and there are countless difficult situations currently occurring in the world. And it doesn’t matter whether you are stressed about global issues or a personal problem; the results are still the same. 

Stress upsets your body’s natural equilibrium and affects mood, memory, learning, and cognition. It can also increase your risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, digestive problems, and heart disease. Therefore, it is essential to keep your stress levels under control. 

It may seem easier said than done, but it is possible with a little patience and practice. Here are some top hints and tips for managing and reducing stress in a natural way. 

What Is Stressing You Out? 

The first step to reducing your stress levels is figuring out what is stressing you out. Sometimes, it can be something obvious, like a major life event, relationship problems, or issues at work. Other times, it may be less clear, and it could be that many small things are piling on top of each other to make you feel anxious and overwhelmed. 

Journaling can be a great way to untangle your thoughts and get to the root of what is bothering you. You could also try a CBT technique known as “worry time,” where you set aside a specific time slot every day to focus on your problems and how you could solve them. If worries pop up outside of this designated time, make a mental or physical note to address them later and then go about your day. 

Reduce Media Consumption 

Sometimes, the thing stressing you out is completely beyond your control. Therefore, it might be best to think about it as little as possible. 

Try avoiding the news for a week and see whether that makes a difference to your mood. You could also try limiting your social media engagement, as these platforms are notoriously linked with reduced mental health and conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Manage Your Time Effectively

Do you ever feel like you have too much to do and not enough time to do it? Honestly, it’s a pretty common scenario these days. Many of us have demanding jobs, families, and social obligations to take care of that leave us feeling short on energy and motivation and deprived of the time we need to relax and recharge. 

One of the best ways to manage this is to get on top of your schedule. It may mean cutting out some non-essential tasks or delegating more to others. Try saying “no” to things that you do not have the capacity for and see how much better you feel when you are not stretched beyond your limits. 

Find Your Ultimate Relaxation Tools

It might seem obvious that relaxation is the opposite of stress, but it is easier said than done. The fact is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and techniques like meditation and yoga might not work for everyone. 

Think about the things that bring you the most peace and joy, and focus on them rather than what you think you should be doing. Do you want to take a long hot bath? Blow off steam at the gym? Put the world to rights with your bestie? All of these are valid options so go ahead and give yourself permission. 

Some people also find that dietary changes and supplements, such as the CBD edibles Purekana sells online, are a game-changer. CBD gummies and other similar products are a great alternative to cannabis edibles and are legal in many places where marijuana is not. 

Seek Support If Necessary 

If you have been feeling stressed for a long time and are not able to manage it by yourself, there is no shame in seeking support. This could come in the form of talking to a trusted friend or relative, joining a support group, or enlisting the help of a professional therapist. 

Sharing the burden may be enough to lift your mood, and you could receive helpful advice if you are in a sticky situation. You could even make mutually beneficial new connections or deepen existing ones by reaching out. 

Remember, stress affects everyone, and you are not alone. 

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