HOW TO REDUCE STRESS AND TENSION
Many people suffer from stress and tension on a regular basis. In reality, millions of people around the globe report they experience stress or worry on a daily basis.
Every day, a large number of people face stress. Work, family problems, health troubles, and financial commitments are frequent sources of stress. Furthermore, a person’s vulnerability to stress is influenced by factors such as heredity, social support, coping style, and personality type, implying that some people are more stressed than others.
It’s natural to feel anxious in today’s fast-paced world, but it’s not wise to ignore it if it becomes so severe that it affects your health. It’s simple to be worried, but it’s much tougher to overcome it. People feel depressed when there is a lack of information about how to manage tension, therefore, this article highlights a couple of useful methods that can be used to reduce stress and tension.
- TAKE A DEEP AND LONG BREATH
When you’re stressed or tense, your heartbeat speeds up, even if you’re unaware of it. Your chest rises as you take a deep breath. As a result, if you experience worry or a panic attack, you can control your breathing. You take ten breaths and then exhale in this sequence. Simply put, your heartbeat will return to normal, and you will be tension-free.
- MAINTAIN A BALANCED DIET
Every area of your health, including your mental health, is influenced by your nutrition. According to studies, people who eat a diet high in ultra-processed foods and added sugar are more likely to have higher perceived stress levels. Chronic stress might cause you to overeat and crave highly appetizing meals, compromising your general health and happiness.
Furthermore, not eating enough nutrient-dense whole foods may increase your risk of deficiency in nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins, which are important for stress and mood regulation.
- CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE REDUCED
Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and is present in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. Overconsumption can exacerbate and heighten tension, as well as disrupt sleep. As a result, tension and anxiety symptoms may worsen.
The amount of caffeine that a person can tolerate varies from person to person. If caffeine makes you nervous or anxious, try switching to decaffeinated herbal tea or water instead of coffee or energy drinks. Although many studies demonstrate that coffee is beneficial when consumed in moderation, caffeine intake is recommended to keep around 400 mg per day, which equates to 4–5 cups of coffee.
- SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Friends and relatives can provide social support to help you get through difficult times and manage stress. It is critical to have a social support system for your mental health. If you’re lonely and don’t have any friends or family to lean on, social support groups may be able to help. Consider joining a club or sports team or volunteering for a worthwhile cause.
- SET LIMITS FOR YOURSELF AND LEARN TO SAY NO
You don’t have control over all stressors, but you do have power over some of them. Taking on too much might increase your stress level and decrease the amount of time you have for self-care. Taking charge of your own life can aid in stress reduction and mental health protection. Saying “no” more often could be one method to do this. This is especially true if you find yourself taking on more obligations than you can handle, as juggling many responsibilities might leave you feeling overwhelmed. Stress levels can be reduced by being cautious about what you take on — and saying “no” to things that would unnecessarily add to your workload.
- AVOID PROCRASTINATION AT ALL COSTS
Staying on top of your priorities and avoiding procrastination is another strategy to manage your stress. Procrastination can reduce your productivity and force you to scramble to catch up. This can lead to stress, which negatively impacts your health and quality of sleep. If you find yourself procrastinating frequently, it may be beneficial to develop the practice of establishing a prioritized to-do list. Set reasonable deadlines for yourself and work your way down the list. Work on the tasks that need to be completed today and block off time for yourself. Multitasking or switching between things can be stressful in and of itself.
- PLAY SOME MUSIC
Whatever the song, shouting out the lyrics to a beloved track can make everything seem better. If you’re in a public location, listening to music can help you feel better. Classical music is particularly soothing just before night.
- MEDITATE REGULARLY
It only takes five minutes of serenity to receive the advantages of meditation. There’s evidence that just two short periods of silent meditation a day can help with stress and despair. Find a comfortable location in a peaceful area, concentrate on your breathing, and let your worries fade away.
- REMEMBER TO PAY ATTENTION TO YOURSELF
If we are surrounded by anxiety, we are unable to care for ourselves at this time, which affects our lifestyle and exacerbates rather than alleviates the condition. As a result, it will be OK to look for oneself at such times. Other problems can be avoided by eating healthy and resting well. This means that caretakers should not be careless in the workplace but rather vigilant.
- WRITE ABOUT THE ISSUE
If you truly want to control stress, you should try to comprehend the source of your anxiety. After that, please write it down. Reconsider what the solution to this problem might be. If at all possible, take action right away. Putting our feelings down on paper can make them appear less scary. To soothe your anxieties before a big event, try writing.
CONCLUSION
Stress and tension are two things that we all experience at some point in our lives. It doesn’t matter if you’re at work, at home, or playing. Stress and tension can be harmful to your health. Do something about it.
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