When stress accumulates over a period of time it can bring about devastating outcomes. Recognizing the need to eliminate stress, however, doesn't help much without the ability and willingness to actively engage in a process of bringing this idea to fruition.
So, here are some various ways in which one can lessen the effects of stressful situations and ultimately eliminate their harmful cumulative effects that inhibit our abilities to live a fulfilling and satisfying life:
1. Trim your schedule
A hectic and engrossing schedule is one of the major causes of stress. By trimming off your non-essentials and getting out of commitments that do not prove beneficial, one is able to create room for personal time and leisure.
2. Narrow down on one thing at a time
Stress is a result of trying to balance too many things at once then trying to climb out of the resulting chaotic mess. Try and focus as much as possible on doing one thing at a time. Pick a single item to work on then fend off all other distractions.
3. Exercise daily
People tend to underestimate the benefits of working out and therefore are always quick to citing their busy schedules as an excuse not to work out. Take time and be active; walk, play a sport, go for a run and enjoy yourself while you are at it.
4. Find the source of your Zen
Don't just zombie yourself through life, live and let live. Instead of being grumpy at the workplace and at home, find something that you enjoy doing that will help calm your tense nerves. Maybe reading, taking a warm bath, taking half day naps, or even having a steaming hot sex session with your partner.
5. Embrace your creative side
Getting creative is a great way of reducing stress and anxiety since it provides an avenue for expression. Writing, playing music, weaving and pottery classes might seem goofy on the surface but they do the trick perfectly!
6. The early bird catches the worm
Always be time conscious and always allocate an allowance in your scheduling in case of emergencies or impromptu occurrences that require your attention. Try to leave earlier by getting ready earlier than usual. Schedule some buffer time in between appointments.
7. Embrace constant improvement
Most stresses come from the feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, work targets, and social pressures. This brings about the general idea of stagnation and reduces individual moral and motivation. We need to feed this desire with the constant change and improvement of ourselves i.e developing healthy habits, learning new sports, improving our fitness and visiting new places. This will bring a general notion of improvement and pride.
8. Finally, learn to stop just for a second and take a deep breath
Feel the sun rays hit your face, admire your life and environment and smile at the person next to you. Live and Let Live!