Stress is a real killer. It induces us to overeat, procrastinate on tasks that need our attention, and interrupts our sleep. Don’t let stress win. Use these 9 easy self-care tips to reduce stress.
Can you tell when you’re getting stressed? The early signs are sneaky, and I often miss them. But I sure know when I’m officially stressed. Sometimes, I can’t even finish a thought!
But the phrase ‘stress management’ seems daunting to me.
I don’t have the energy to put together a stress management plan when experiencing life’s storms!
But reducing your stress isn’t just helpful in stopping procrastination or sleeping better at night.
Studies show that prolonged unmanaged stress can contribute to long-term health problems like cancer or heart disease.
So it’s important.
But here’s the good thing.
Stress management doesn’t have to be super complicated.
Fortunately, it’s possible to alleviate the effects of stress by actively taking care of yourself.
Plus, you don’t have to be perfect with these self-care tips – do what you can – when you can!
Here are nine easy self-care tips to reduce stress.
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In my experience, aiming for perfection can become a barrier and make stress management even harder, so don’t make it complicated. I can’t say it enough.
Keep it simple!
Get Outside
Get some fresh air: spend time outside in the fresh air as often as possible!
Even a few minutes can help.
Fresh air rejuvenates your lungs and relaxes tension in your muscles. So breathe deeply and pay attention to the beautiful colors around you.
Try this: spend a few minutes activating your 5 senses while you are outdoors:
- Listen for sounds of nature. (Do you hear any birds or insects?)
- Inhale and notice what you smell. (Do you smell flowers? Fresh cut grass? Pine trees?)
- Observe the colors you see. (Count the number of colors or shades of the same color.)
- Touch the pokey grass, soft leaf, or rough tree bark. (Take off your shoes for more sensations.)
- If appropriate, for example, if you’re in a garden, can you try a sample of something picked fresh? If not, try eating your lunch or enjoying a coffee break in a quiet place outdoors.
Do a Little More of This
Go for a nice walk, play tag with your kids, or do some jumping jacks. Find fun ways to move around a little more.
I know you hear that all of the time.
So don’t be intimidated if you don’t run or go to the gym because you hate exercising.
Just move around a little – that’s all you need to do!
- You can stand up and walk around your workplace if you can’t leave.
- Even try standing as you work.
- Stretch your shoulders.
- Do arm circles.
- Touch your toes.
- Do anything that helps you move around a little bit more.
It’ll improve your mood because it releases endorphins and makes you feel good about yourself. In addition, research shows that exercising regularly can lower a person’s perceived stress by up to 50%!
Exercise completes the stress cycle. There is a lot of science in the statement ‘exercise reduces stress’!
Make Better Choices
Actively work on eating healthy food.
Foods high in fiber have been shown to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and may also provide some protection against heart disease and cancer.
Besides that, plants can help keep inflammation at bay and assist with detoxification.
If you eat meat, ensure it’s good quality (and without fillers).
Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake is a simple way to start eating healthy food.
My Favorite of the Easy Self-care Tips to Reduce Stress
Need a nap? Take one if you can.
Sleep deprivation can lead to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Not only that – if you don’t sleep enough, your immune system becomes compromised, and you’re more susceptible to illness!
To get the right amount of sleep each night, go to bed at a reasonable hour and sleep in a dark room.
Be a Socializer
Studies show that social support is beneficial not only for mental health but for physical health as well.
Spend time with friends or family or talk with strangers at the store or your local library.
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Meditation – One of the Best Easy Self-care Tips to Reduce Stress
Mediating can help you reduce the effects of stress.
According to meditation research, it can help you control high blood pressure, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression, and insomnia.
There is also thought about meditation helping pain management and smoking cessation treatment, although evidence is uncertain.
Prayer is a form of meditation, too!
Looking for a way to stay motivated to take better care of yourself? Click my affiliate link to check out my Bible study.
Pamper Yourself
Take a nice warm bath or shower, get a massage, or even have a favorite snack.
Take some me-time. Spending time alone is a great way to ensure you’re treating yourself well!
Pampering is different for each of us, so pick what you enjoy, and it will help you relax.
Relaxation Appointments
Set aside a few minutes to relax and unwind each day.
Try meditating, listening to music, reading a book, or spending time with family or friends—whatever works for you!
Perhaps you can sit outside and listen to the birds.
It doesn’t matter; just set aside a few minutes daily to reset your mind and body.
Be Grateful
Giving thanks has been shown to improve well-being in general and lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress hormones.
In conclusion, you need to be diligent and manage your stress so it doesn’t get out of control.
Ignoring it won’t make it go away; it can make you sick.
So pick 2 or 3 of your favorites from above and start doing them as soon as you notice your first signs of stress. You’ll be glad you did!
Be sure to grab your FREE COPY of the Self-care Starter Guide!
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Originally published October 16, 2021
Be sure to grab your FREE Self-care Starter Guide! Lisa Kimrey is a 33-year veteran registered nurse (RN), speaker, and author of the Bible study, The Self-care Impact: Motivation and Inspiration for Wellness. At Mylifenurse, Lisa combines her nursing expertise with Scripture-based encouragement to show readers who serve and care for others how to begin and maintain their self-care journey – without feeling guilty or overwhelmed – to feel happy, healthy, and rejuvenated.