Everyone experiences stress — it's a part of being human. However, if stress is frequent and intense, it can put strain on your body and make it difficult to function. Stress can cause headaches, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, and other physical and mental effects. If you're experiencing high amounts of stress, it's important to find effective ways to deal with it. You don't have to do it on your own, though! We've made a list of 4 of the best ways to manage stress:
1. Exercise
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress. Physical activity has shown to help improve your sleep, which means better stress management. People who exercise often tend to get better deep sleep that helps renew the brain and body. Daily exercise doesn't just improve your physical health, though. It can also improve your mood. Exercise actually naturally produces stress-relieving hormones in your body. The hormones help block pain and improve sleep. People who exercise also tend to feel less anxious — when your body feels good, so does your mind! Common forms of exercise that help reduce stress are running, swimming, aerobics, and even dancing.
2. Eat Well
One important way to manage stress that you may not think of is to eat well. Eating well can actually help stabilize your mood. We recommend eating unprocessed foods, like whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruit. Some nutrients that seem to reduce the effects of stress on the body and mind include vitamin C, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Although your first instinct when you're under a lot of stress can be to turn to junk food, added sugar and fat can have a negative effect on your body and your mood. A healthy diet can lessen effects of stress, build up your immune system, and level your mood.
3. Take a Break
Sometimes the main thing to do when you're stressed and overwhelmed is to take a break. Practicing relaxation is key in helping your mind and body de-stress. If you're someone who's always on the go, it's important to recognize that slowing down is necessary in reducing high levels of stress. Deep breathing, meditation, and muscle relaxation are all good ways to calm yourself down. You should also set aside time to do things you really enjoy. Spending at least 15 to 20 minutes a day on a relaxing hobby can help!
4. Use Stress-Reducing Supplements
At Hines Street Pharmacy, we actually carry supplements from trusted brands that have shown to offer several health benefits, including stress reduction. One of the top supplements is Ashwagandha, which contains chemicals that can help calm the brain, reduce swelling, and lower blood pressure. It's often used for insomnia, anxiety, and other conditions related to stress. Phosphatidylserine is another popular supplement that can keep the brain and body sharp and has been used to help manage stress. Other supplements include cordyceps, rhodiola, and l-theanine. You can visit our pharmacy to talk to a pharmacist about using these supplements to help reduce stress!
Are you ready to take the next step toward effectively managing your stress? Schedule a consultation with one of our pharmacists to discuss how you can best deal with stress!
